Crafting the Ultimate Beverage

Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add vanilla extract if using.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and optional cornstarch. Gradually add to the butter mixture, mixing just until incorporated.

Shape the Dough

Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gently form into a disk. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes if the dough is soft.

Roll and Cut

Roll out dough to about 1/2 inch (1.25cm) thickness. Cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters.

Bake

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheet with parchment. Place cookies 1 inch apart. Sprinkle with granulated sugar if desired. Bake for 18–22 minutes until edges are lightly golden.

Cool and Serve

Allow cookies to cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Baking Tips

Use high-quality butter for the best flavor since it's the star ingredient.

If your dough feels crumbly, add 1 tablespoon of milk to help it come together.

Don't overwork the dough to keep the cookies tender.

For perfectly even cookies, use a rolling pin with thickness guides.

Shortbread improves in flavor after resting a day — store in an airtight container.

Classic Shortbread Cookies

Name: Classic Shortbread Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 24 cookies
Cuisine: Scottish
Ingredients: 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened — creates a rich, tender crumb; 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar (confectioners' sugar) — for a melt-in-your-mouth texture; 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour, sifted — builds the cookie's structure; 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt — balances sweetness; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (optional) — enhances flavor and aroma; 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional) — makes cookies even softer and more tender; Granulated sugar, for sprinkling (optional) — adds a slight crunch on top; Zest of 1 lemon (optional) — for a hint of citrus freshness; 2 tablespoons finely chopped nuts, like pistachios or almonds (optional) — for a nutty twist; 1 tablespoon milk or cream (only if dough feels too dry) — helps bring dough together if needed; Parchment paper — for easy baking and clean-up; Non-stick cooking spray or extra butter — to lightly grease the baking sheet (if not using parchment)

Simple, buttery, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread cookies perfect for tea time, holidays, or gifting.

Prep Time

15 Minutes

Cook Time

20 Minutes

Total Time

35 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

Custard Cream

1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened — creates a rich, tender crumb

1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar (confectioners' sugar) — for a melt-in-your-mouth texture

2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour, sifted — builds the cookie's structure

1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt — balances sweetness

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (optional) — enhances flavor and aroma

2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional) — makes cookies even softer and more tender

Granulated sugar, for sprinkling (optional) — adds a slight crunch on top

Zest of 1 lemon (optional) — for a hint of citrus freshness

2 tablespoons finely chopped nuts, like pistachios or almonds (optional) — for a nutty twist

1 tablespoon milk or cream (only if dough feels too dry) — helps bring dough together if needed

Parchment paper — for easy baking and clean-up

Non-stick cooking spray or extra butter — to lightly grease the baking sheet (if not using parchment)

Classic Shortbread Cookies

JUE

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

Crafting the Ultimate Beverage

Classic Shortbread Cookies

Ingredients

Instructions