Name: Homemade Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups salted butter 454g, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar 225g, plus more for topping; 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste or extract; 5 cups all-purpose flour 670g, spooned and leveled; ⅓ cup powdered sugar 45g; 2 tablespoons cornstarch 18g; ¼ teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar or more if desired

There’s just something about the buttery, crumbly texture of classic shortbread that makes my heart sing every time. This Homemade Shortbread Cookies Recipe is my go-to when I want a simple yet indulgent treat that feels like a warm hug in cookie form.

A close-up of a stack of four light beige sugar cookie squares with a soft and crumbly texture. The top piece has a bite taken from one side, revealing a fluffy inside. Each square has a slightly rough surface sprinkled with granulated sugar, adding a sparkling effect. The background is softly blurred, with hints of green and blue colors. The image sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Homemade Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Homemade Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Homemade Shortbread Cookies Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made shortbread cookies countless times, and this recipe nails everything I want — rich flavor, perfect crumbly texture, and a foolproof process that anyone can follow. Trust me, these cookies will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.

Classic Flavors: The balance of butter and vanilla bean paste creates a rich, nostalgic flavor.
Perfect Texture: These cookies come out tender yet sturdy enough to hold their shape beautifully.
Simple Ingredients: You probably have everything you need right in your pantry already.
Easy Technique: No fancy equipment or skills required, making this recipe beginner-friendly.

The image shows several shortbread bars on a wooden surface. Each bar is thick, rectangular, and pale golden in color, with a crumbly texture that looks soft inside but firm on the outside. One shortbread bar is resting on top of another, clearly showing the crumbly inside and smooth edges. In the background, there is a light pink box, slightly open, revealing more shortbread bars inside. A dark plaid cloth is partially visible behind the wooden surface. The overall setting includes a white marbled textured background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays a specific role to create that iconic shortbread texture and flavor. I always recommend using quality butter — it’s the star of the show here and really impacts taste and texture.

Flat lay of two large cubes of pale yellow salted butter, a small white bowl of fine white granulated sugar, a small white bowl of smooth vanilla bean paste with visible vanilla specks, a simple white ceramic bowl heaped with all-purpose white flour, a small white bowl of snowy powdered sugar, a small white bowl of fine white cornstarch, and a small white bowl containing coarse sea salt crystals, all arranged symmetrically and evenly spaced, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Salted Butter: Adds rich creaminess and the perfect saltiness; I prefer European-style brands like Kerrygold for their high butterfat content.
Granulated Sugar: Gives crunch and sweetness; tossing some on top right out of the oven creates a delightful sugary crust.
Vanilla Bean Paste or Extract: Adds warmth and depth of flavor; vanilla bean paste gives those tiny specks that look pretty and taste amazing.
All-Purpose Flour: The base providing structure; spooning and leveling ensures accurate measurement for the right crumb.
Powdered Sugar: Softens the texture and adds delicate sweetness.
Cornstarch: Helps create that tender, melt-in-your-mouth feel by reducing gluten formation.
Salt: Just a touch to balance sweetness and enhance overall flavor.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love tweaking this recipe occasionally to match the time of year or my mood. The beauty is how customizable it is, so don’t hesitate to make it your own!

Citrus Zest Variation: Adding lemon or orange zest brightens the flavors — I sprinkled lemon zest on top once for a spring brunch, and it was a hit.
Gluten-Free Option: I’ve replaced the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend with great results, just make sure it has xanthan gum included.
Chocolate Drizzle: For a decadent twist, drizzle melted dark chocolate over cooled cookies — it pairs beautifully with the buttery shortbread.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Homemade Shortbread Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream That Butter and Sugar

Start by letting your butter sit out to soften — this makes creaming much easier. Then use a mixer to combine the butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla bean paste until the mixture is light and fluffy. Scrape the bowl down halfway through to make sure everything blends evenly. This step really builds the foundation for your cookie texture.

Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients Separately

Whisk together the flour, powdered sugar, cornstarch, and salt in another bowl. This ensures the dry components are evenly distributed, so you don’t end up with clumps or unbalanced flavor.

Step 3: Combine Gently to Form Crumbly Dough

Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in three parts, mixing just enough to bring it together each time. The dough should feel crumbly but hold when pressed. Avoid overmixing here — patience pays off with tender shortbread.

Step 4: Press and Chill Before Baking

Press the dough evenly into a parchment-lined 9x13-inch pan. Then prick the surface all over with a fork — this little trick prevents steam pockets and keeps your shortbread flat and even as it bakes. Pop the pan into the fridge for 30 minutes so the dough firms up and bakes beautifully without spreading.

Step 5: Bake and Add the Finishing Sugar

Bake at 325°F for about 40 to 45 minutes, until you see the edges just starting to turn golden. While the shortbread is still hot, sprinkle it generously with granulated sugar — this gives a lovely crunch and a pretty sparkle on top.

Step 6: Cool and Cut Carefully

Transfer to a wire rack and let it cool slightly, then use a sharp knife to gently score squares right in the pan. Shortbread cuts more cleanly while still warm, so don’t wait until completely cold. Just be gentle not to rip the parchment or damage your pan.

Top Tip

From my many shortbread baking adventures, these tips have saved me from common mishaps and helped my cookies turn out stellar every time. I’m sharing them with you to make your baking smoother and more fun.

Use Cold Butter for Better Texture: Softened, not melted butter maintains the dough's integrity and prevents greasiness.
Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mixing just until combined keeps your shortbread tender and crumbly, not tough.
Chill Before Baking: This step is crucial to avoid spreading and to get that classic shortbread snap.
Sprinkle Sugar Immediately After Baking: The warm cookie top helps the sugar stick and melt just enough for a perfect crunch.

How to Serve Homemade Shortbread Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I often dust these shortbread squares with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar for a snowy effect. Sometimes, a thin drizzle of melted chocolate or a few crushed pistachios add a nice visual and textural contrast, especially when serving guests.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a warm cup of tea, coffee, or even a glass of cold milk for a nostalgic treat. I love serving them alongside fresh fruit or a simple berry compote for a brunch spread — the balance of buttery and fruity is irresistible.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or parties, I arrange the shortbread on a tiered tray with edible flowers and sprigs of fresh rosemary or thyme. It adds a rustic elegance that everyone seems to adore. You can also cut into fun shapes using mini cookie cutters before baking to make them festive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover shortbread in an airtight container at room temperature — they stay fresh and crumbly for about a week. If you notice any softness, a few minutes in the oven at a low temperature can revive that crisp texture.

Freezing

These cookies freeze wonderfully. I wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. When I want a treat, I just thaw them at room temperature — they taste just like fresh!

Reheating

Warm them gently in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes to bring back that perfect crumbly texture and warmth. This little trick is especially cozy on chilly afternoons.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use unsalted butter for this Homemade Shortbread Cookies Recipe?

Yes! If you use unsalted butter, just add an extra ¼ teaspoon of salt to the dry ingredients. This balances the flavor beautifully.

How do I prevent my shortbread from crumbling too much?

Make sure not to overmix the dough and press it firmly into the pan before chilling. Chilling the dough solidifies the fat, helping the shortbread hold together while baking.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend that contains xanthan gum. The texture will still be tender and delicious.

How long do homemade shortbread cookies last?

Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies will stay fresh for up to one week. For longer storage, freezing is an excellent option.

Final Thoughts

This Homemade Shortbread Cookies Recipe is close to my heart because it’s simple yet endlessly satisfying. Whether you’re baking for loved ones or just yourself, these cookies bring comforting joy with every bite. So grab your butter and flour, and let’s make something delicious together—you’re going to love how easy and rewarding these turn out!