Shortbread cookies have always held a special place in my heart. When I was little, my parents baked shortbread regularly, not just during Christmas or the holidays, but all year long. They were the easiest, most flavorful cookies, and that’s still true today. You don’t need fancy techniques, special skills, or hours in the kitchen. Anyone can make shortbread and feel proud of creating something homemade.
That’s what I love most about this recipe. It’s completely foolproof. Even if you accidentally bake them a little longer and they turn golden brown, they develop a lightly caramelized flavor that tastes incredible. If you underbake them, they’re still perfectly safe to eat because there are no eggs. And with a touch of vanilla extract, every bite has a soft, cozy aroma.
Shortbread cookies are perfect for dressing up or keeping simple. Use cookie cutters and sprinkles to make them festive, or enjoy them just as they are. I like to eat them with a warm glass of milk on a cold day or a scoop of ice cream in the summer. I always keep rolls of shortbread dough in my freezer. I shape the dough into logs, freeze them, and slice-and-bake whenever unexpected guests arrive. Nothing is more inviting than the smell of warm sugar and butter drifting through your home.
And when my kids have friends over, I make a fun activity out of it. Everyone gets to help mix the dough, roll it out, and cut out shapes with cookie cutters. Not only does it keep the kids busy without a screen, but it also sparks creativity and gets them excited about cooking, which is an essential life skill for when they grow older. Shortbread truly brings joy, comfort, and togetherness to our home, and I’m so excited to share this foolproof version with you.
The Best Foolproof Shortbread Cookies: Simple, Classic & Always Delicious
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cream the Butter & Sugar: Beat the softened butter and sugar together until creamy and smooth—about 1–2 minutes.
- Add Vanilla: Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Add the flour and salt. Mix on low until a soft dough forms. It may look crumbly at first—keep mixing until it comes together.
- Chill (Optional but Helpful): For cutout cookies: shape into a disc, wrap, and chill for 20–30 minutes.
- For slice-and-bake cookies: roll into a log, wrap, and refrigerate 30 minutes (or freeze).
- Shape Your Cookies: Cutout method: Roll dough to ¼-inch thick and cut into shapes. Slice-and-bake: Slice logs into ½-inch coins.
- Bake: Bake at 325°F (165°C) for 14–18 minutes, depending on thickness.
- They should be pale with lightly golden edges.
- Cool & Enjoy: Let them cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack. Shortbread becomes more tender as it cools.
Notes
How to Know When Shortbread Is Ready
Shortbread is one of the most forgiving cookies, but here’s a simple way to make sure they’re perfect every time:- The cookies should look set on top, not glossy.
- The edges should be pale golden, not dark brown. unless you want that caramelized flavor.
- When you gently lift one, the bottom should be lightly golden, not soft or doughy. Even if they bake slightly longer or shorter, they will still taste delicious!
Freezer Tips
- Make extra dough and roll into logs.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Slice and bake straight from the freezer, add 2–3 minutes to baking time.
Perfect for last-minute guests or when you need a quick homemade treat.
Over the years, I’ve found a few simple tools that make baking shortbread even easier and more fun. I’ve linked some of my favorite picks from Amazon below. they are durable, food-safe, and perfect for everyday baking. When you shop through these links, it doesn’t cost you any extra, but it helps support PlateMeHappy.com so I can continue sharing family-friendly recipes, kitchen tips, and helpful tutorials. I truly appreciate your support!
Stainless-Steel Cookie Cutter Set
- Package includes: 9 colorful cutters; three big cutters, three medium cutters and three small cutters
- Three shapes and sizes, meet all your daily need! Shapes of cutters: Five-pointed, star, Flower, Heart-shape
- Sizes: Big 4 inch; Medium: 2.2 inch; Small: 1.2 inch
- Material: Made of stainless steel and plastic; Safe and innoxious
- Usage: Great for cutting out cookies, sandwiches, vegetable and fruit into different shapes; make the food more attractive; bring fun to your children
TeamFar Stainless Steel Baking Sheet, 20’’×14’’×1’’
Generous Half-Size Set: Includes two large 19.6" × 13.75" × 1.3" sheet pans—perfect for family-size baking and rotating batches without waiting for cooling.
Non-Toxic & Safe: Made from premium stainless steel with no chemical coatings or additives; rust-free and healthy for everyday use.
Heavy-Duty Build: Thick, solid construction provides durability for professional roasting and long-lasting performance.
Easy to Use & Clean: Mirror finish ensures easy food release, smooth rolled edges offer comfortable handling, and the dishwasher-safe design keeps cleanup simple.
Zulay Reusable Non-Stick Silicone Baking Baking Sheet Set, Food-Safe, Heat-Resistant up to 250°F
- MUST-HAVE SILICONE BAKING MAT HALF SHEET: 16.5"x11.6" silicone baking mats
- DURABLE & FOOD-SAFE SILICONE: BPA-free - No plasticky aftertaste.
- NON-STICK & EVEN HEAT DISTRIBUTION: Perfect for both dry and sticky ingredients.
- EASY TO CLEAN & STORE.
- ZULAY LIFETIME GUARANTEE.
Glass Food Storage Containers with Bamboo Lids 4-Pack, 36oz
Durable, Heat-Resistant Glass: Made from strong borosilicate glass that withstands up to 520°F and is safe for the freezer, microwave, oven, and dishwasher (lids excluded).
Eco-Friendly & Plastic-Free: All materials—including packaging and silicone seals—are environmentally conscious and completely free of plastic.
Multi-Use Bamboo Lids: Set includes four 36oz containers with snug bamboo lids that double as cutting boards and feature a leakproof, airtight design.
Healthy & Safe Storage: Nonporous, BPA-free, crystal-clear glass prevents stains, keeps food safe, and supports sustainability—backed by a no-questions-asked warranty.
If you enjoyed making these shortbread cookies, don’t forget to explore more recipes and kitchen tips on my website! I also have a fun post all about Creative Ways to Use Ice Cream Scoops & Cookie Cutters. It’s perfect for keeping kids entertained and making baking even more exciting.
If you love baking as much as I do, having the right tools makes the experience even more enjoyable. For tips on choosing safer, healthier bakeware that you can feel good about using in your kitchen, check out my guide on How to Choose Non-Toxic Bakeware for a Healthy Kitchen.
There’s always something new and cozy waiting for you on Plate Me Happy.
