Must-Try Homemade Shortbread Recipe

Discover how to prepare the perfect French shortbread cookie with this easy-to-follow recipe. Learn to master this crispy and buttery treat.

Shortbread cookies, both crumbly and crispy, are a true staple in the world of pastry. Whether enjoyed with tea, coffee, or simply as a snack, they always bring a touch of sweetness. In this article, we'll offer you a traditional recipe, along with a few variations to satisfy all your cravings.

Ingredients for Perfect Shortbread

To prepare around 20 shortbread cookies, here are the basic ingredients:

• 250 g of flour
• 125 g of salted butter
• 100 g of powdered sugar
• 1 egg
• A pinch of salt
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (optional)

These simple ingredients will create shortbread cookies that are crispy on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth on the inside. For more indulgent variations, feel free to add flavors or toppings like chocolate or citrus zest.

Steps to Prepare Shortbread Cookies

1. Preparing the Shortbread Dough

The first step is to prepare the dough, which needs to be crumbly enough to give the cookies their shortbread texture. Follow these steps carefully:

• Cream the butter and sugar : In a bowl, mix the room-temperature butter with the powdered sugar until creamy.
• Incorporate the egg : Add the egg and vanilla extract (if using), then mix well until the mixture is smooth.
• Add the flour : Sift the flour with a pinch of salt and fold it into the mixture. Don't overwork the dough to maintain its crumbly texture.

2. Resting the Dough

The shortbread dough needs to rest to make shaping easier. Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for 30 minutes. This step is essential to ensure the cookies don't spread too much during baking.

3. Shaping and Baking

• Roll out the dough : After resting, roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 5 mm thickness.
• Cut out the cookies : Use cookie cutters of your choice to cut out the shapes.
• Bake : Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10-12 minutes. The cookies should be lightly golden at the edges but still pale in the center.

4. Cooling and Enjoying

Once out of the oven, let the cookies cool on a wire rack before enjoying. Their crispy exterior and soft interior will delight your taste buds.

Delicious Variations of Shortbread Cookies

• Salted Butter Shortbread: For a more savory touch, replace the unsalted butter with salted butter. The contrast between sweet and salty creates a refined and slightly addictive flavor.
• Chocolate Shortbread: Add 50 g of cocoa powder to the flour to create delicious chocolate shortbread. You can also add dark chocolate chips for extra indulgence.
• Cinnamon Shortbread: For a spiced version, mix a teaspoon of ground cinnamon into the dough. These cookies are perfect for the holiday season, paired with a hot chocolate.
• Vegan Shortbread: Replace the butter with plant-based margarine and the egg with a flaxseed or chia substitute. This alternative is just as delicious and suitable for vegan diets.

Tips for Perfect Shortbread Cookies

• Don’t overwork the dough: For crumbly shortbread, it’s important not to handle the dough too much, or it will become elastic.
• Let the dough rest: Chilling the dough is crucial to make shaping easier and prevent the cookies from spreading during baking.
• Monitor baking: Watch the baking time closely. The cookies should remain slightly golden to keep their soft texture inside.

Conclusion: Why Choose This Recipe?

This shortbread recipe is not only easy to make but also offers a base that you can adapt to your taste. Whether you prefer the traditional version, a more indulgent variation, or a vegan option, you’ll find joy in these melt-in-your-mouth cookies. Prepare them for a snack, a party, or simply for fun!

Treat yourself to the simplicity and authentic taste of homemade shortbread, and share them with your loved ones for a warm and delightful moment.