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    Home » Recipes » Cookies and Biscuits

    Easy Shortbread Cookies

    Published: Mar 26, 2017 · Modified: Sep 10, 2021 by annabanana · This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads · 15 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Easy shortbread cookies made with only 3 simple ingredients! These sweet, buttery and crumbly cookies will be perfect to enjoy with your favourite cuppa! 

    side view of a stack of cookies on a white plate

    Hey friends!

    Hope you all been well and enjoying those early Spring days. Today's recipe is one of the simplest and easiest recipes ever. It is also one of my all-time favourites, and I believe it will quickly be yours too!

    super close up of a stack of 5 shortbread cookies

    Super easy shortbread cookies

    What makes this recipe a winner? The fact that it is made out of 3 ingredients! Yes, that's right, only 3 basic, simple ingredients. There are very high chances you already have these ingredients in your kitchen pantry. Butter, sugar and flour. That's it friends!

    overhead shot of bowls with butter, sugar and flour
    overhead close up of plate with shortbread cookies

    These crumbly shortbread cookies are full of wonderful, buttery taste. They are perfect for family gatherings, afternoon teas or mid- morning coffees. Just a good all- rounders really. And I've got a feeling, they will quickly become one of your favourite cookies too!

    Quick tips on making this recipe

    As this recipe is super simple, there isn't really that much room for error. However, things can go wrong, especially if you do not chill your dough. So, if there is one thing to point out, it is the fact to chill your dough!

    Simply place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, before rolling it and cutting out the cookies out of it. This way, the dough will be much easier to roll and handle.

    overhead shot of a person cutting cookies out of the dough
    top view of a person cutting out cookies with cookie cutter

    When rolling the dough, keep it relatively thick, roughly about 1 cm. However, if you prefer your cookies to be thinner, then simply roll it as thin or thick as you would like. Thinner cookies will take less time in the oven, so remember to adjust baking time and keep an eye on them as they bake.

    Sprinkle the cookies with some caster sugar on top before placing them in the oven. It will add a lovely crunch and shine to the cookies.

    overhead shot of a person sprinkling sugar on cookies
    close up from top of cookies with sugar on top

    When in the oven, make sure to rotate the baking trays half way through. This way you will get an even colour and perfect bake.

    side shot of stack of cookies with a bite taken out of one

    Try different variations of the same recipe!

    If like me, you like to experiment with different flavours and ingredients, this recipe is perfect for doing so! Once you are familiar with making the basic version of these cookies, you can try many different versions with additional ingredients.

    close up of a small stack of cookies

    So far, I've tried them with lemon oil, rose and hibiscus flowers, cocoa, chocolate chips and amaretto. Simply add and extra ingredients to the basic dough and see how it turns out! Since this recipe is so easy, it is almost impossible not to succeed!

    overhead view of cookies on a wire rack

    As always, thanks for tuning in to today's recipe! If you want, you can also follow me on my Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook page!

    side close up of stack of cookies on a plate
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    5 from 7 votes

    Easy Shortbread Cookies

    Delicious, buttery shortbread cookies, made with only 3 basic ingredients! 
    Prep Time10 mins
    Cook Time12 mins
    Chilling time25 mins
    Total Time47 mins
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: Vegetarian
    Keyword: butter cookies, shortbread
    Servings: 20 cookies
    Calories:
    Author: Anna Wierzbinska

    Ingredients

    • 125 g unsalted butter (room temperature)
    • 60 g caster sugar (plus extra 1 tablespoon for sprinkling)
    • 180 g plain flour
    Metric - US Customary
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • In a bowl of an electric or standing mixer, cream the butter for about 2 minutes until pale and fluffy. Add caster sugar and beat for another couple of minutes.
    • Stir in the flour, mix it on low until the flour is just incorporated. Remove the dough from the bowl and flatten it into a disk. Wrap in some reusable plastic and place in the fridge for about 20 minutes.
    • Preheat the oven to 170 C (fan). Line couple of baking trays with baking paper or silicone mats.
    • Remove the dough from the fridge. Roll it on a lightly floured surface into roughly about 1cm thickness. Using a round cookie cutter, cut the cookies out and place on a baking tray. Re-roll any remaining dough and repeat (place the dough back in the fridge for 10 minutes if it becomes too warm/ soft to roll) until you've used all of the dough. Sprinkle some caster sugar on top of the cookies.
    • Bake in the middle shelf in the oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Rotate the baking tray half way through the baking. Take out of the oven and allow the cookies to cool for 5 minutes. Enjoy!

    Please note that all my recipes are developed and tested in metric grams. I recommend that you use digital scales for a more accurate results. I have provided a conversion to US customary in the recipe but please note that I haven’t tested using this method.

    Notes

    • Feel free to use your favourite cookie cutter
    • Cooking/ baking times may vary. Depending on the size of the cookies, they may need a bit longer or a bit less time in the oven. Keep an eye on them, they are ready when the edges are becoming golden-brown.
    • If the dough becomes too soft to handle, place it in the fridge for about 15 minutes. 
    Did you make this?Tell me how you like it? Leave a comment or take a picture and tag @anna_wierzbinska on Instagram. I love seeing your take on my recipes!

    If you would like to receive future recipes straight to your inbox, make sure to sign up to my mailing list! I promise to never send you any spam!

    More Best Cookies and Biscuits Recipes

    • Valentine Sugar Cookies
    • Salted Caramel Macarons
    • Danish Butter Cookies
    • Strawberry Shortcake Cookies

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Katie

      March 20, 2020 at 3:24 pm

      5 stars
      This looks so good! Can't wait to try it.

      Reply
      • annabanana

        March 22, 2020 at 1:54 pm

        Thanks Katie, let me know if you give them a go!

        Reply
    2. Jordin

      March 20, 2020 at 3:16 pm

      5 stars
      I LOVE cookies, and especially these shortbread cookies! So easy to make, and soo delicious!

      Reply
      • annabanana

        March 22, 2020 at 1:52 pm

        Glad you like them Jordin, thanks so much!

        Reply
    3. Carrie Robinson

      March 20, 2020 at 2:23 pm

      5 stars
      I just love a good shortbread cookie! These would go perfect with my afternoon tea. 🙂

      Reply
      • annabanana

        March 22, 2020 at 1:52 pm

        Thanks Carrie, they're one of my all time favourite too! Ideal for dunking!

        Reply
    4. Lauren

      March 20, 2020 at 2:08 pm

      5 stars
      Shortbread are so simple and always a yummy treat! These cookies were especially delicious served alongside a cup of coffee. So crumbly, butter and tender.

      Reply
      • annabanana

        March 22, 2020 at 1:51 pm

        Thanks so much Lauren, so glad you've enjoyed the recipe! They are the best companion to a cuppa, almost like they've meant to be together!

        Reply
    5. Nicola Burrow

      December 11, 2018 at 1:39 am

      5 stars
      I made these recently and they are just lovely, tonight I'm making them with a layer of biscoff spread added once they've cooled and topped with sainsbury's free from white chocolate melted over the top.

      Reply
      • annabanana

        December 13, 2018 at 2:40 pm

        Hey Nicola! Thanks so much for this lovely comment! Made my day to hear that you've been enjoying this recipe! And your version with spread and white chocolate sounds just like a heaven to me! I think I'm going to try that too!x

        Reply
    6. NV

      December 23, 2017 at 8:12 pm

      are the calories per cookie or for the whole batch?

      Reply
      • annabanana

        December 30, 2017 at 1:19 pm

        Hey there!
        The calories are per cookie. Hope it helps!

        Reply
    7. Rebecca de Silva

      April 25, 2017 at 9:40 am

      5 stars
      I cant stop eating these!!! Xxx

      Reply
      • annabanana

        April 26, 2017 at 9:08 am

        Yayyyyy!!!
        This made my day! So glad that you have tried and that you like them!!! Mwaaaahhhh! x

        Reply
    8. Jo

      April 10, 2017 at 10:17 am

      5 stars
      How tasty are they? Love the simple recipes and this couldn't be any simpler Anna! I'm making them for Easter and can't wait to share the results with you 🙂 XXX

      Reply

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    Welcome to Anna Banana! I'm Anna, the face and the voice behind this blog. I'm here mainly to satisfy your sweet cravings. This is where you will find recipes for delicious bakes, irresistible treats and desserts. Occasionally, something savoury too.

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