Easy to Make Shortbread Cookies – Perfect for Snacking
Greetings, culinary enthusiasts! Today, I bring you a recipe that is near and dear to my heart – Grandma’s Shortbread Cookies. This recipe has been passed down through generations of my family and has become a cherished tradition at holiday gatherings and special events.
These cookies are the epitome of melt-in-your-mouth goodness, with a buttery texture that is simply divine. They require only 4 ingredients, making them an easy treat to whip up any time you’re in the mood for something sweet.
As I share this recipe with you, I invite you to join me on a journey back in time to when life was simpler and food was made with love and care. Whether you are baking these cookies for loved ones or simply indulging in a guilty pleasure, I can assure you that the end result will be nothing short of heavenly.
So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let’s get started on making some Grandma’s Shortbread Cookies that will make even the pickiest cookie connoisseur beg for more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re looking for a classic cookie that will melt in your mouth and leave you wanting more, grandma’s shortbread cookies are a must-try. These old-fashioned treats have been passed down through generations, and for good reason.
First of all, the ingredient list is so simple – just four basic ingredients! You won’t need to make a special run to the grocery store for this recipe, and chances are you’ll already have everything on hand: butter, sugar, flour, and a pinch of salt. The simplicity of these ingredients allows them to really shine in this recipe.
Secondly, the flavor profile is phenomenal. The richness and creaminess of the butter combined with the subtle sweetness from the sugar creates a perfect balance of flavors. A hint of vanilla extract really elevates these cookies to the next level.
And let’s not forget about the texture – these shortbread cookies truly melt in your mouth. They’re delightfully crumbly without being dry, and have just the right amount of dense chewiness that makes them absolutely addictive.
What’s more, this recipe is incredibly versatile. It’s a blank canvas for flavors – you could add cocoa powder for chocolate shortbread, or sprinkle on some lavender sugar for an elegant twist. These cookies can also be shaped into any size or shape you like – traditional rounds or pressed into a decorative shape with a cookie press.
And last but not least, this recipe has been passed down through grandmothers for generations – giving it an extra special touch that can’t be beat. Making these cookies is truly like bringing a little piece of tradition and history into your kitchen.
So go ahead and give grandma’s shortbread cookies recipe a try – we guarantee you’ll fall in love with them just as much as we have.
Ingredient List
Ingredients for Grandma’s Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Here is a list of ingredients you will need to make these melt-in-your-mouth, buttery Grandma’s shortbread cookies. Using only four simple ingredients, this recipe is easy to follow and can be ready in just a few steps.
- 1 pound (4 cups) of unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 and ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
It is important that you use unsalted butter so you can control the amount of salt that goes into the recipe. The granulated sugar gives the cookies their sweetness, and the addition of cornstarch helps to create the cookie’s melt-in-your-mouth texture. Lastly, the combination of all-purpose flour and cornstarch makes for the perfect consistency when baking. In summary, all these ingredients work together to create a rich buttery flavor in every bite of these delicious shortbread cookies.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have gathered all the necessary ingredients let’s start making “Grandma’s Shortbread Cookies” recipe. Follow the instructions below to achieve melt-in-your-mouth cookies with a delicate buttery flavor.
Step 1: Creaming the Butter and Sugar Mixture
In a bowl, beat together 1 cup of softened butter (room temperature) and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. You can use an electric mixer or do it by hand using a wooden spoon.
Step 2: Sifting Together Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of cornstarch, 1/3 cup of powdered sugar, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder.
Step 3: Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the creamed butter and sugar mixture (from step 1) while stirring using a wooden spoon until everything is well combined. Keep stirring until you form a soft dough.
Step 4: Shaping the Cookies
Shape the cookie dough into small balls or press them flat with a cookie press, it’s up to you! Make sure each cookie is evenly shaped around 1 inch in size.
Step 5: Preparing to Bake
Place each cookie onto an ungreased baking sheet, leaving some space between them so they don’t bake into each other.
Step 6: Baking Time
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Bake for approximately 15 to 20 minutes or until they are just starting to turn golden brown on the edges.
Step 7: The Fun Part – Decorating!
Once baked, remove cookies from the oven and allow them to cool for at least five minutes before transferring them onto a wire cooling rack. You can now decorate them with some icing sugar or keep them simple for that classic traditional taste.
Enjoy these delicate and buttery shortbread cookies that are great with tea or coffee on any occasion!
Substitutions and Variations
As much as you would like to stick to the original recipe, sometimes you have to make substitutions and variations to cater to dietary needs or depend on what is readily available in your pantry. The good news is that Grandma’s Shortbread Cookies Recipe can still be tweaked without sacrificing its classic and melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can swap the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour. You can also use dairy-free butter or margarine instead of regular butter if someone in your family has lactose intolerance or vegan preference. Another option is to incorporate other types of flour like almond flour, which adds nuttiness and a slightly denser texture. Just note that this may impact the taste and consistency of the cookies.
For a fun variation, try sprinkling colorful sugar crystals or some crushed pistachios on top of the cookies before baking them. Or, you can add some mini chocolate chips into the dough to create a beautiful contrast between the crisp texture of the shortbread base and the soft and gooey chocolate bits.
You can also experiment with different shapes using cookie cutters or try out piping your shortbread into an elegant twist. If you own a cookie press or spritz cookie maker, use it for efficiency and producing uniform portions.
Remember that substitutions are not always guaranteed to turn out perfectly every time. So start with small adjustments initially and gradually add more until you reach the desired outcome.
Serving and Pairing
Now that your cookies have finished baking, it’s time for the best part – tasting!
Grandma’s shortbread cookies have a classic buttery flavor that pairs well with a hot cup of tea or coffee. These cookies also have a melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes them a perfect sweet treat after dinner.
If you want to add some extra flavor to your shortbread, try serving them with a drizzle of chocolate on top or sprinkle them with powdered sugar. For a festive touch, consider adding some red and green sprinkles on top during the holidays.
These cookies also make great gifts for friends and family wrapped in clear cellophane bags and tied with a ribbon. You can serve them at holiday parties or bring them to work to share with your coworkers.
If you’re feeling creative, you can also use these cookies as part of other desserts. They make great pie crusts by breaking up the cookies and pressing them into a crust shape. You can also use them in ice cream sandwiches by placing a scoop of ice cream between two cookies.
Whatever serving option you choose, these grandma’s shortbread cookies are sure to impress and become a household favorite for years to come.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Once you have baked these delicious Grandma’s Shortbread Cookies, you’ll want to know how to store them to keep them fresh for as long as possible. Here are some tips on storing and reheating these tempting treats.
If you plan on serving the cookies within a few days, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. A tin box or a plastic container with an airtight lid will work just fine. You can layer the cookies with parchment paper between each layer.
If you need to store them for longer or prefer to make them ahead of time, consider freezing the cookies instead. Wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, and then place them inside an airtight container or freezer bag. The cookies can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.
When it comes time to enjoy your frozen shortbread, let them come to room temperature before unwrapping. This will prevent any moisture from forming on the cookies’ surface. If you want them warm or crispier, preheat your oven to 350°F, place the unwrapped cookies on a baking sheet, and bake for 2-3 minutes until they are slightly warmed up.
Remember that shortbread cookies are a delicate type of cookie due to their high butter content, so handle with care – they melt in your mouth! Avoid stacking too many cookies on top of each other while storing or transporting them because they can easily break. With these simple tips, you won’t have to worry about running out of shortbread cookies or not having them at their freshest!
Tips for Perfect Results
Before starting baking, make sure to read the recipe twice, take the time to understand all steps and prepare your ingredients, equipment, and workspace in advance. Here are some tips to help you achieve perfect results with Grandma’s Shortbread Cookies Recipe.
One essential tip is to accurately measure your ingredients. The amount of flour and sugar, for example, will significantly affect the cookie’s texture and taste. Use measuring cups and spoons instead of estimating the quantities by eye or weight the ingredients on a scale.
For butter, it should be at room temperature for easier creaming. When butter comes straight out of the fridge, it takes more time to blend with sugar, leading to overworking of gluten in flour during mixing, resulting in chewy cookies instead of melt-in-your-mouth ones.
Sift together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt before adding them to the mixture to prevent lumps and ensure an even distribution of every ingredient.
The dough must be chilled for at least 30 minutes before slicing or shaping. This helps the butter solidify again so that it doesn’t spill and spread excessively in a hot oven. Taking extra care not to let shortbread dough heat up during preparation is critical.
Using high-quality ingredients can greatly affect the final product. Vanilla extract or other flavorings’ quality can have a big impact on taste; hence buying quality organic products goes a long way.
Furthermore, using confectioners’ sugar while rolling or dusting your cookies instead of regular granulated sugar preserves their delicate texture without making them too sweet.
Following these tips will guarantee you the best attempt at grandma’s shortbread cookies recipe with its attributes- minimalistic sweetness, crunchiness to flakiness ratio giving way to melt-in-your-mouth-perfection reminiscent of grandma’s love in every bite!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, Grandma’s shortbread cookies are a taste of nostalgia that can transport you back in time with just one bite. With the perfect ratio of flour, sugar, and butter, these cookies will melt in your mouth and leave you wanting more. The recipe is easy to follow and requires only four simple ingredients that you likely have in your pantry already. Moreover, by following the tips and recommendations outlined in this article, you can ensure that your cookies turn out perfectly every time.
Whether you decide to make traditional Scottish shortbread or experiment with variations like whipped or spritz cookies, Grandma’s shortbread cookie recipe is versatile enough to accommodate any desire. As a baker myself, I highly recommend trying this recipe out for yourself – it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe book! So fire up the oven, sift together some flour, and let the baking adventure begin!
Grandma’s Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 1 cup butter (no substitutions)
- 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- sugar (granulated or colored)
Instructions
- Preheat over to 350°.
- Mix all ingredients by hand for the proper texture, except the sugar.
- Roll out cookie dough to about 1/4-inch thick and cut out using your favorite cookie shapes.
- Pierce top of cookies with fork and decorate with colored sugar or sprinkle with regular granulated sugar.
- Bake for about 8 minutes or until light brown around the edges.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Steven is a chef by heritage, so it’s no wonder why baking is such a big part of who he is. To share his passion for all things sweet, he created cookiesncrepes.com. It’s the perfect platform to indulge in delicious treats, all with a sprinkle of his signature flare.