This post may contain affiliate links, read our disclosure policy.

Shortbread cookies made with just flour, butter, and sugar are melt in your mouth classic delicious perfection!

Classic shortbread cookies are made with a doubling recipe where each of the three ingredients doubles the one before it. Simple to make but so incredibly delicious. Try them with a mug of hot peppermint mocha or as a sweet treat after your ham croissant lunch!

Save this recipe!

Save this recipe! Enter your email below and we’ll shoot it straight to ya!

I consent to receive email from this site 💌

Shortbread Cookies

Shortbread Cookies Recipe

Click the button above to save this recipe!

Shortbread Cookies Ingredients

Flour – Regular all purpose white flour.
Butter – Salted butter is my personal preference, but unsalted works too.
Sugar – Confectioners sugar (also called powdered sugar). Granulated or brown sugar will also work!

SHORTBREAD RECIPE — Can you believe these are made with only three ingredients?!

How do you make shortbread cookies? (Step-by-step)

⭐ First, cream together sugar and butter, then slowly beat in flour.

⭐ Next, roll out the dough and slice or form balls, then flatten with your hand or a fork.

⭐ Then, bake until just starting to turn golden.

⭐ Finally, allow to cool on a wire rack.

Preparation

Can you make shortbread dough ahead of time?

You can make the dough up to 24 hours in advance and keep it in the refrigerator or 3 – 4 months in advance if kept in the freezer. Make sure the dough is wrapped in plastic wrap or freezer paper before storing for best results.

Should you chill shortbread before baking?

Shortbread doesn’t spread much when baking, but if you’d like it to keep its shape exactly then chill the dough in the refrigerator or freezer for at least 30 minutes before baking.

What kind of sugar for shortbread cookies?

The cookies pictured are made with powdered sugar (also sometimes called confectioners sugar).

You can also use brown sugar or granulated sugar – they will give you a different texture and flavor (but still delicious). Try them all and see which one you like best!

THREE INGREDIENT SHORTBREAD — Store in a sealed container and in theory they will last for a very long time!

Storage and Leftovers

How long do short bread cookies last?

They will keep for up to four weeks if kept in an airtight container. The cookies do not require refrigeration, but can be kept chilled if that’s your preference!

What’s the best way to store shortbread cookies?

Keep shortbread in a sealed airtight container at room temperature, or chilled.

Can you freeze baked shortbread cookies?

If you make extra or have leftovers, they can be stored in the freezer for several months. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature.

SHORTBREAD COOKIE RECIPE — But in reality. Not as long.

Frequently asked questions

Why shortbread is called shortbread?

Shortbread cookies are named after their texture, meaning it they have a short crumb. The crumbly texture (as opposed to a more chewy texture like in other cookies) is due to the lack of egg.

What does shortbread taste like?

Shortbread cookies are buttery, sweet, slightly crumbly, and melt in your mouth in the very best way.

HOW TO MAKE SHORTBREAD COOKIES — Because they are delicious! And they disappear quickly!

Tips, tricks, and frequently asked questions

🟢 You can cook shortbread cookies from frozen. Slice the frozen dough thinly and add 2 – 3 minutes of cook time.

🟢 Try dipping your shortbread in melted chocolate after it’s baked.

🟢 Add a teaspoon or two of cinnamon for cinnamon shortbread!

🟢 Make them with different types of sugar and see what version you like best!

CLASSIC SHORTBREAD COOKIES — You can roll them out flat for a classic look.

More delicious cookie recipes

More easy dessert recipes

EASY SHORTBREAD COOKIES — Or form balls and press them down with a fork for a more modern look!

Suggested tools

Silicone baking mats – Nothing sticks to these! Whaaaa?! Perfect for baking sugary cookies, or cheesy croissants. You know why? Because nothing sticks to these!!!
Bakers half sheet – It’s cool, we only have about six of these bakers half sheets because they’re good for absolutely everything. Cookies? Yes! Steak? Yes! Cake? Oh yeh! Roasted veggies? Uhhhh huh!

Get our FREE Easy Casseroles Ebook!

Follow us below!Use #mamalovesfood on Instagram!

How to Make Shortbread Cookies

5 from 10 votes

Shortbread Cookies Recipe

Created by: April Woods

Course Dessert

Cuisine Scottish

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Shortbread cookies made with just flour, butter, and sugar are melt in your mouth classic delicious perfection!

Save this recipe! Enter your email below and we'll shoot it straight to ya!

By submitting your email you consent to receive email from this site.

Ingredients

▢ 4 cups flour
▢ 2 cups butter softened/room temp
▢ 1 cup sugar confectioners/powdered

Instructions

Cream together butter and sugar, then slowly beat in flour.
Roll out thinly onto a parchment or silpat lined baking sheet, you can leave in a single sheet or slice and separate slightly. Alternatively, you can form into small balls and then press down onto a lined baking sheet.
For a classic shortbread look you can make intermittent fork holes on rolled out dough.
Bake at 350F for 10 - 12 minutes until turning a slight golden brown around the edges.
Remove from the oven and if you’ve baked the cookies in a single sheet, use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to cut into your preferred shape (I’m partial to rectangles) while they're still soft.
Allow cookies to cool on a wire rack, and enjoy!

Video

Notes

Calories are automatically generated. For best results calculate based on your exact ingredients.

Try using brown sugar or granulated sugar and see which result you like best!

NOTE: Creaming butter and sugar is more than just mixing it. For best results use an electric mixer (hand mixer or stand mixer) for at least two minutes, but as long as 5 minutes until the butter and sugar mixture is light and fluffy.