Description
This recipe provides a simple, classic way to make buttery shortbread cookies using just four ingredients. It offers a delightful, comforting treat perfect for busy families, requiring minimal fuss for a homemade indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 0.5 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
- 0.25 teaspoon (1.5g) salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven & Prep Pan: Preheat your oven to 325 F (160 C). Line a standard 13×18 inch baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture looks light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
- Add Flour & Salt: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. The dough will look crumbly but should hold together when pressed. (If it looks too dry and won’t come together, splash in 1–2 tsp of cold water.) Do not overmix.
- Form & Chill Dough: Gently bring the dough together with your hands until it forms a cohesive ball. Press it into an even 8-9 inch circle on your prepared baking sheet or roll it out to 0.5-inch thickness. Use a fork to prick holes across the surface. For neat breaks, score the circle into 8 or 12 wedges, but do not cut all the way through yet. Place in the fridge to chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Bake: Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden and the kitchen smells wonderfully buttery. The center should still look pale and set.
- Cool & Cut: Remove from oven. While still warm, use a sharp knife to re-cut along the scored lines for clean portions. Let cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring.
Notes
For a slightly healthier twist, reduce sugar or add vanilla or citrus zest for flavor. Use good quality butter as it is the dominant flavor. The dough can be made by hand without a mixer. The dough can be chilled for up to 2 days or frozen for future treats. For a gluten-free option, swap in a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour.
- Prep Time: 18 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: General
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 280 calories
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 24 mg
Keywords: shortbread, cookies, easy dessert, buttery, 4 ingredients, classic, simple, homemade, gluten-free option, quick