Classic Shortbread Cookies

RATE IT

read reviews [5]

Yields about 4 dozen 1-1/2x2-inch bars.

To learn more, read:
Buttery Shortbread Cookies
by Carolyn Weil
from Fine Cooking
Issue 61
Last Edit Date: 3/6/2013 4:23:38 PM

more about:

8 oz. (1 cup) cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 tsp. table salt
10 oz. (2-1/4 cups) all-purpose flour

Tip:

For the best results, measure your flour by weight instead of volume. (1 cup of all-purpose flour equals 4-1/2 oz.) If you don’t have a scale, be sure to use the proper technique when filling your measuring cups.

Line two baking sheets with parchment. Combine the butter, sugar, and salt in a stand mixer bowl (use the paddle attachment) or a large mixing bowl. Mix on low speed until the butter combines with the sugar but isn't perfectly smooth, 1 to 2 min. Add the flour and mix on low speed, scraping the bowl frequently, until the dough has just about pulled together, about 3 minutes; don't overmix.

Roll: On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Aim for a uniform thickness to ensure even baking.

Cut: Cut the dough into bars or squares with a sharp knife or, using cookie cutters, cut out shapes as close to one another as possible. Press the scraps together, roll them out, and cut out more cookies. If the dough becomes sticky, refrigerate it briefly. Arrange the cookies on two parchment-lined baking sheets and refrigerate until chilled, at least 20 min.

Bake: Position oven racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven and heat the oven to 300°F. Bake the cookies until golden on the bottom and edges and pale to golden on top, 30 minutes to 1 hour. (After 15 min., swap the position of the baking sheets and rotate them 180 degrees for even baking.) If the cookies are done before 30 min., reduce the oven temperature to 275°F for the remaining batches; if they take longer than 1 hour, increase the temperature to 325°F.

Photo: Scott Phillips

Rate this Recipe and View Reviews

user reviews
made it?
RATE IT!

by badrise1, 1/26/2012Have tried many ,many different recipes on shortbread cookies this is definatly the shortest easiest and GREATEST tasting cookies. Rave reviews all around even from seasoned bakers This is a great recipe and this is a great web site. all that's needed is a love of baking and some fresh ingredents and you can't go wrong Thank You Fine Cooking

by CTNutmegger, 3/4/2010This cookie is my workhorse cookie--holidays rarely go by without it! Dip it in chocolate! Or caramel! Use it as a base, bake til barely golden, cover it with your favorite jam, then top it with this dough, latticed for a special look, and bake for 20 min more! Top it with coarse sugar! Alter the flavorings, brush it with milk then sprinkle it with finely chopped nuts. The possibilites are endless, and always becomes a crowd favorite. In fact, I've created my own cookie: use this dough as a base, bake until barely golden, top with homemade caramel, sprinkle with finely chopped pecans or walnuts, add chocolate chips, bake for 5 min more. When barely warm, cut into scauares. It's like eating candy.... By far my most requested recipe. Thank you, Fine Cooking!

by jlcall, 12/15/2009Super good

by Janelle2277, 11/21/2009Very easy and tasty shortbread cookies. This is my fourth year making these for Christmas...I roll them a bit thinner then cut out "windows" from half and turn them into sandwich cookies filled with green or red apply jelly. Very pretty end result.

by sush, 12/8/2008

Cookbooks, DVDs & More

Check out all cooking Books & DVDs

Classic Shortbread Cookies

more about:

Tip:

user reviews

made it?

You might also like:

More Recipes Like This

Make it Tonight

Cookbooks, DVDs & More