Classic shortbread cookies

197

PREP TIME

25 min

TOTAL TIME

45 min

Makes

34

Classic shortbread cookies

Photo, Sian Richards.

We have the perfect Christmas cookie recipe for this simple holiday pleasure: classic shortbread cookies that are sure to please, whether iced artistically or left plain.


Ingredients

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour , (405 g)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter , at room temperature (350 g)
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar , (150 g)

Instructions

  • PREHEAT oven to 350F. Position racks in top and bottom thirds of oven. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment.
  • STIR flour with salt in a medium bowl.
  • BEAT butter with sugar in a large bowl, using a wooden spoon, until smooth, 1 min. Gradually stir in half of flour mixture, until just combined. Add remaining flour mixture, kneading with your hands, until dough forms a ball.
  • ROLL out on a floured counter until 1/4 in. thick. Cut out cookies with various shapes of cookie cutters. Arrange on prepared sheets, 2 in. apart. Cookies will spread as they bake.
  • BAKE in top and bottom thirds of oven, switching sheets halfway through, until edges are just golden, 12 to 15 min. Leave on sheet for 5 min, then transfer cookies to a rack to cool completely. Cookies will keep well in an airtight container up to 1 week, or freeze these Christmas cookies up to 1 month.

Nutrition (per serving)

  • Calories
  • 132,
  • Protein
  • 2 g,
  • Carbohydrates
  • 13 g,
  • Fat
  • 8 g,
  • Sodium
  • 35 mg.
  • Visit our Holiday Cookies page for 160 recipes