Shortbread Cookies

If you're searching for the best shortbread cookie recipe on the internet, stop right there! You've found it. These buttery, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread cookies are perfect for any day of the week, but will also make great additions to your holiday dessert table. Whatever the occasion, you can never go wrong with a rich and customizable shortbread cookie.

Want to know the best part? This recipe only requires four pantry staple ingredients.

What Are Shortbread Cookies?

Shortbread cookies originated in Scotland and are traditionally made with butter, sugar, and flour. Unlike other cookies, shortbread cookies don't have any leavening agents (like baking powder or baking soda). Because of this (plus the high fat content) shortbread cookies are incredibly tender and crumbly — a good shortbread cookie will almost melt in your mouth.

How to Make Shortbread Cookies

Shortbread cookies are extremely easy to make with a hand or stand mixer. You'll find the full, step-by-step recipe below — but here's a brief breakdown of what you can expect when making these cookies:

Cream the butter and sugar together. Then, add the vanilla and flour. Mix until combined. Use a cookie press or roll out the dough and cut or shape into desired shapes. Bake until cookies are golden brown.

Shortbread Cookie Variations

This four-ingredient shortbread cookie recipe is about as easy as it gets. But, if you want to mix it up a little bit, try some of these tricks for fun and delicious shortbread cookie variations:

Add a few drops of almond extract for a nutty flavor.Mix in chocolate chips or chopped nuts for extra decadent flavor.Top with sprinkles, your favorite jelly, or sugar cookie icing for a cookie that looks as good as it tastes.Dip in white chocolate or milk chocolate for a sweeter finish.

How to Store Shortbread Cookies

Store shortbread cookies in an airtight container (such as a cookie jar) or zip-top bag at room temperature for seven days. To extend their lifespan, you can transfer them to the fridge. They will stay fresh there for 10 days.

Can You Freeze Shortbread Cookies?

Yes, you can absolutely freeze shortbread cookies. Store completely cool shortbread cookies in a zip-top bag or airtight container (be sure to place a layer of parchment paper in between each cookie layer so they don't stick together). Freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.

Cookdap Community Tips and Praise

“So, so perfect! We let the dough sit in the fridge to harden, then rolled and cut with cookie cutters and it worked out great,” says Jaime Jovanovich-Walker.

“This was my first time ever making shortbread cookies. Can I just say that this recipe is AMAZING!! Just like, if not better than, those I’ve purchased,” raves Rita.

“This is a delightfully easy recipe and the result is immaculate. The cookies were perfect and buttery in each bite. My family absolutely loved them. This is certainly a keeper and will be a staple for quick dessert snacks at home,” according to Jeri-Lee Prescod-Alexander.