Crisp, buttery shortbread cookies are a beloved classic that never goes out of style. With a melt-in-your-mouth texture and just the right level of sweetness, these treats are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a cozy afternoon tea or simply indulging in a sweet craving. This easy butter cookie recipe will guide you through the simple steps to create your own batch of delicious shortbread cookies right in your own kitchen. So, preheat your oven, grab your ingredients, and let’s get baking these delightful Fifteen Spatulas Shortbread Cookies!
### Shortbread Cookies Easy Butter Cookie Recipe Fifteen Spatulas
#### Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Optional: additional sugar for sprinkling on top
#### Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and ensure even baking.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture in your shortbread cookies, so take your time to ensure the mixture is well combined.
3. Gradually add the flour and salt to the butter-sugar mixture, stirring until a smooth dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies. If the dough seems too crumbly, you can use your hands to gently knead it together until it sticks together.
4. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to your desired thickness. Traditionally, shortbread cookies are thicker than regular sugar cookies, so aim for about 1/4 inch thickness for that classic crumbly texture.
5. Use cookie cutters or a knife to cut out your desired shapes from the dough. Place the cutout cookies onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
6. Optional: For an extra touch of sweetness and a bit of sparkle, sprinkle some granulated sugar on top of the cookies before baking. This step is perfect for adding a decorative finish to your shortbread cookies.
7. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden brown. Keep an eye on them as they bake, as shortbread cookies can quickly go from perfectly golden to overdone.
8. Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. This will allow them to firm up slightly before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Serve your freshly baked shortbread cookies with a steaming cup of tea or enjoy them on their own as a delightful sweet treat. Store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh for longer.
Whether you’re baking these buttery delights for a special occasion or simply for a cozy night in, these Fifteen Spatulas Shortbread Cookies are sure to be a hit. With their classic flavor and irresistible crumbly texture, they’re bound to become a staple in your baking repertoire. So, put on your apron, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the simple pleasure of homemade shortbread cookies straight from your oven.
