Sure, let’s dive into making some delicious Shortbread cookies! Shortbread is a classic treat, loved for its buttery flavor and crumbly texture. This recipe yields 48 delightful shortbreads, making it perfect for sharing with family and friends during gatherings or simply enjoying as a sweet snack. With a total time of just 40 minutes, including prep and baking, these cookies are a quick and easy option for satisfying your sweet cravings. Let’s get started!
Shortbread Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 pound (4 sticks) unsalted butter, cold
Instructions:
| Step | Description | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | In a large bowl, combine flour and sugar. | 15 mins |
| 2 | Cut the cold butter into cubes and add it to the bowl with the flour and sugar. | |
| 3 | Using a pastry cutter or two knives, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles fine crumbs. | |
| 4 | Knead the dough by hand until it comes together and becomes smooth, which should take about 7-8 minutes. | |
| 5 | Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). | |
| 6 | Press the dough evenly into an ungreased 15×10 inch (38×25 cm) baking pan. | |
| 7 | Use a fork to prick the surface of the dough all over. | |
| 8 | Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until the shortbread is lightly golden brown. | 25 mins |
| 9 | Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly in the pan. | |
| 10 | While the shortbread is still warm, cut it into squares or rectangles using a sharp knife. | |
| 11 | Allow the shortbread to cool completely in the pan before removing and serving. |
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve these delicious shortbread cookies with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful snack.
- They also make great gifts during the holiday season or for special occasions.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 121.9
- Total Fat: 7.8g
- Saturated Fat: 4.9g
- Cholesterol: 20.3mg
- Sodium: 67.8mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 12.1g
- Dietary Fiber: 0.3g
- Sugars: 4.2g
- Protein: 1.2g
Recipe Notes:
- Make sure the butter is cold when you start working with it, as this helps create the characteristic crumbly texture of shortbread.
- You can customize these shortbread cookies by adding a sprinkle of sugar on top before baking or by incorporating flavorings such as vanilla extract or citrus zest into the dough.
- Store the cooled shortbread cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage.
Now, enjoy these delicious homemade shortbread cookies with your loved ones and spread the joy of baking! 🍪✨
