Quick Shortbread Recipe – Buttery, Crumbly & Perfect for Any Occasion 🧈🍪✨
Looking for a simple, elegant cookie that’s easy to make and melts in your mouth? This Quick Shortbread Recipe is your new go-to!
With only five basic ingredients and no mixer required , these shortbread cookies are soft, rich, and perfectly crisp around the edges. They’re ideal for tea time, holiday baking, or as a base for more elaborate desserts like lemon bars or chocolate-dipped treats.
Let’s dive into how to make this timeless favorite!
🥄 Why You’ll Love This Shortbread
- Simple ingredients : Just butter, sugar, flour, salt, and vanilla.
- No chilling needed : Skip the fridge and bake right away.
- Perfect texture : Crumbly, tender, and melt-in-your-mouth buttery.
- Great for gifting : Bake ahead and wrap for friends, neighbors, or co-workers.
- Versatile base : Use it for tarts, sandwich cookies, or decorate as you wish.
🧾 Ingredients (Makes 16–20 Pieces)
- 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter , softened (2 sticks)
- ½ cup (65g) powdered sugar (icing sugar)
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional but highly recommended)
🔪 Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Fork (for pricking dough)
- 8×8-inch baking pan or small tart tin
- Parchment paper or greased pan
- Measuring tools
- Cooling rack
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) . Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Cream Butter & Sugar
In a large mixing bowl:
- Beat softened butter until smooth with a wooden spoon or spatula.
- Add powdered sugar and mix until light and fluffy — about 2–3 minutes by hand.
Tip: The sugar adds a slight sweetness without overpowering the buttery flavor.
Step 3: Mix in Vanilla Extract
Stir in vanilla extract if using — this enhances the flavor and gives a warm aroma while baking.
Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients Gradually
Gradually mix in:
- Flour
- Salt
Work gently until the dough comes together and feels slightly crumbly but holds when pressed.
Don’t overmix — shortbread is best when handled minimally.
Step 5: Press Into Pan & Prick the Dough
Transfer the dough to the prepared pan and press firmly and evenly across the bottom.
Use the back of a fork to create the classic shortbread indentations — this helps them break cleanly later.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden Perfection
Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 25–30 minutes , or until the edges are lightly golden and the top looks dry and set.
The center should remain pale — shortbread should never be browned unless desired.
Step 7: Cut While Warm
As soon as the shortbread comes out of the oven:
- Let cool for 5–10 minutes .
- Carefully cut into fingers, squares, or diamonds using a sharp knife.
This ensures clean slices before the butter firms up again.
Step 8: Cool Completely & Enjoy
Let the shortbread cool completely in the pan before removing and serving.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks — they stay fresh and crisp!
🍵 Serving Suggestions
- With a warm mug of Earl Grey or chai tea
- Drizzled with dark chocolate or white chocolate
- Sandwiched with raspberry jam or lemon curd
- Topped with whipped cream and strawberries for a mini trifle
- Sprinkled with crushed pistachios or sea salt on top for gourmet flair
🥡 Storage & Reheating Tips
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks .
- Freezer: Freeze cooled shortbread in layers separated by parchment for up to 3 months . Thaw at room temperature.
- Make Ahead: These taste even better after resting overnight — great for preparing in advance.
- Reheating: Gently warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for a fresh-out-of-the-oven feel.
✅ Expert Tips for Success
- Use room temperature butter for smoother mixing.
- Don’t skip pressing the dough firmly — this gives shortbread its signature dense yet crumbly texture.
- For extra richness, add 2 oz finely grated Parmesan cheese for a savory twist.
- Swap some flour with cornstarch for a softer, more delicate bite.
- Try orange zest or almond extract instead of vanilla for a citrus or nutty twist.
🧠 Nutritional Highlights
While indulgent, shortbread still offers some benefits:
- Butter delivers vitamin A and healthy fats.
- Powdered sugar blends smoothly and gives a fine texture.
- Flour provides energy-rich carbs — perfect for baked snacks.
- Enjoy one or two per day as part of a balanced lifestyle.
📝 Final Thoughts
This Quick Shortbread Recipe proves that simplicity can be spectacular. With its buttery richness, subtle crunch, and comforting melt-on-the-tongue texture, it’s a timeless treat that never goes out of style.
Whether you’re making it for a tea-time snack, homemade gifts, or simply because you deserve something sweet, this recipe brings warmth, elegance, and pure joy to every bite.
So grab your pan, dust off that vanilla bean, and get ready to fall in love with shortbread all over again!
