These easy and simple Shortbread Cookies are the very BEST! Buttery, soft, and slightly crumbly – they are perfect for any occasion, but especially great as a side for a fancy dessert. This is a recipe you will find yourself coming back to time and time again!
Add the butter and brown sugar into the mixing bowl. With a stand or hand mixer cream the butter on high speed for 3-5 minutes until the mixture is fluffy and lighter in color.
Scrape down the sides of the mixing bowl, then add the vanilla extract and salt. Turn the mixer to a low setting once the vanilla extract and salt are incorporated.
Slowly add the flour. Mix it only for a few seconds until the dough comes together, then turn off your mixer. Don’t worry if the flour isn’t thoroughly mixed in yet. You can use your hands or a wooden spoon to finish mixing everything. Be careful not to overwork the dough; stop mixing once you don’t see any flour left.
Take a plastic wrap, press the dough into a rectangle and wrap it up. Place it in the refrigerator for at least two hours before rolling it out. I prefer making my dough a day in advance; working with an entirely chilled dough is much easier. It makes rolling and cutting it a breeze.
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper (or I love my silicone baking mats).
Lightly flour your work surface and take the dough out of the refrigerator onto the floured surface. Take a rolling pin and start rolling the dough into an even sheet, about 1/2 inch thick. Use more flour to dust the dough and the counter if the dough starts sticking.
Take a ruler and measure the dough into 1x2.5 inch pieces. Then cut them with a big sharp knife (or pizza cutter). Carefully place the cookies onto the lined baking sheet.
With a fork, poke each cookie about 6 times to create small holes. These holes will release steam during baking and help the cookies keep their shape.
Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before baking.
When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 325°F or 165°C.
Bake the cookies for 20-25 minutes until the edges are golden brown. I say it often; no oven bakes the same; baking times can vary quite a bit, so keep a close eye on your cookies.
Once golden brown, take them out of the oven and let them sit for about 5 minutes until moving them to a cooling rack. Or eat them right up; they are divine when they are still warm!
Notes
➙ Store leftover cookies in an airtight cookie jar at room temperature. They will stay fresh for over a week.➙They freeze beautifully. Place them in an airtight container or double wrap them. They will stay good for up to three months.