Description
Classic Shortbread is a buttery, crumbly, and golden cookie made with simple ingredients like butter, sugar, flour, and cornstarch. This traditional Scottish-inspired recipe delivers melt-in-your-mouth perfection and is ideal for holidays, gifting, or pairing with tea and coffee.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 sticks (1 1/2 cups) unsalted butter, at room temperature – provides rich flavor and tender texture
- 3 cups all-purpose flour – creates structure while keeping the shortbread light
- 6 tablespoons cornstarch – adds a melt-in-your-mouth crumb
- 1/4 teaspoon fine salt – balances sweetness and enhances flavor
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar – sweetens and adds golden color
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Butter a 9-by-12½-inch jelly roll pan and line it with parchment paper, then butter the paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and salt until evenly combined.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed for 5–7 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan using a spatula. Cover with plastic wrap and press to smooth the surface. Remove the plastic wrap.
- Cut the dough into approximately 1-by-3-inch bars using a sharp knife, then prick the tops with a fork for decoration.
- Bake for 60–70 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through, until the shortbread is golden.
- Cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then recut along the previous lines. Transfer bars to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Store the cooled Classic Shortbread in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Notes
- Measure flour by spooning it into the cup and leveling off to avoid dryness.
- Do not overmix the dough; this keeps the texture light and crumbly.
- For extra flavor, add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of coarse sugar before baking.
- Classic Shortbread can be frozen before or after baking for long-term storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Scottish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Classic Shortbread, buttery cookies, Scottish shortbread, easy cookie recipe, holiday dessert, crumbly shortbread, traditional shortbread, homemade cookies