Looking for a simple yet delightful treat that pairs perfectly with your afternoon tea or coffee break? Look no further than the classic British Shortbread Cookie. This buttery and crumbly cookie has been a favorite in British households for generations. With just a few basic ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these delicious treats in no time. Perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying all to yourself, these cookies are sure to become a new favorite in your household.
**British Shortbread Cookie**
**Ingredients:**
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy using a hand mixer or stand mixer. This may take about 2-3 minutes.
3. Gradually add the flour and salt to the mixture, mixing on low speed until a crumbly dough forms. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should just come together.
4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times until it holds its shape.
5. Using a rolling pin, roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/2 inch. Use a cookie cutter to cut out desired shapes – traditional shortbread is often in rounds, squares, or wedges.
6. Place the cut-out cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
7. Prick the tops of the cookies with a fork to create a decorative pattern and help the shortbread bake evenly.
8. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden brown.
9. Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Once the cookies are completely cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Shortbread cookies also freeze well for longer storage.
Enjoy your homemade British Shortbread Cookies with a cup of tea or coffee, or package them up as a thoughtful gift for friends and family. With their rich, buttery flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture, these cookies are sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. Perfect for any occasion, from cozy nights in to festive gatherings, these classic cookies will delight your taste buds and warm your heart.
