Description
Classic shortbread cookies featuring a tender, buttery texture with a hint of vanilla and a crunchy finish from coarse sugar. Perfect for enjoying with tea or gifting during holidays.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (115 g) confectioners’ sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups (270 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
For Finishing
- Coarse sugar, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, using a handheld mixer on medium-high speed, beat the softened unsalted butter and confectioners’ sugar until creamy and smooth. Add the pure vanilla extract and continue beating until the mixture is well combined. Gradually add the all-purpose flour and kosher salt, mixing on medium speed just until the dough comes together and no dry flour remains.
- Roll and chill: Place the dough between two sheets of parchment paper and roll it out evenly to about 1/3 inch thickness. Remove the top parchment paper and trim the edges if needed to create a neat rectangle. Cut the dough into 2-inch squares directly on the parchment. Keep the cookies on the parchment and transfer to a baking sheet, then freeze until the dough is firm and cold, about 30 minutes. This step helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
- Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet: Arrange a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350°F (175°C). Once chilled, separate the frozen cookies and place them on a clean parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart to allow for slight spreading. Lightly sprinkle the tops of each cookie with coarse sugar for a sparkling finish.
- Bake the cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the edges just begin to turn golden. Keep a close eye to avoid overbaking, which can dry out the cookies. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For best results, ensure the butter is softened but not melted.
- Freezing the dough helps to keep the cookies pristine in shape and texture.
- Use high-quality vanilla extract for enhanced flavor.
- Coarse sugar adds a nice crunch and aesthetic but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (approx. 30 g)
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 60 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
