Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Classic buttery shortbread cookies, tender and sweet, perfect for any occasion year-round. Simple three-ingredient recipe with an optional splash of vanilla for extra flavor.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 24 cookies 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all purpose flour

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
  2. Add softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and all-purpose flour into a stand mixer bowl. Mix slowly on low speed until mixture looks crumbly but holds together when squeezed.
  3. Roll dough into a ball and place between two sheets of parchment paper. Roll out dough to about 1/3 to 1/2 inch thick.
  4. Cut dough into 3-inch circles (or desired shapes) with cookie cutters and arrange cut-outs on prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie.
  5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the bottoms are just starting to turn golden brown.
  6. Remove from oven and let cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
  7. Store cookies in an airtight container to keep fresh for up to 5 days at room temperature.

Notes

For a classic look, roll dough into balls and press flat with a fork for a crisscross pattern before baking., If dough is too crumbly while rolling, press scraps back onto dough or roll dough into balls and flatten with a glass or palm., Do not refrigerate dough unless desired; chilling for 30 minutes can reduce spreading., Cookies can be frozen after baking for up to 3 months or freeze unbaked cut dough shapes for baking later.

  • Author: Laura
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Cookies, Dessert
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 130 kcal per cookie
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Carbohydrates: 14 g
  • Protein: 1 g