Save Tender, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread cookies with a sweet touch of honey and rich buttery flavor—perfect for teatime or as a delightful homemade gift.
This recipe has become a family favorite, especially during holiday seasons when everyone looks forward to these delicious treats.
Ingredients
- Dry Ingredients: 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp fine sea salt - Wet Ingredients: 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup (60 g) powdered sugar
1/4 cup (60 ml) honey
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Step 2:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and salt set aside.
- Step 3:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, powdered sugar, honey, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy (about 2 3 minutes).
- Step 4:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Step 5:
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead it together, then roll it out to about 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) thickness.
- Step 6:
- Cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters and place cookies 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Step 7:
- Optional Chill the cut cookies on the baking sheet for 10 minutes to help retain their shape during baking.
- Step 8:
- Bake for 13 15 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden.
- Step 9:
- Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Save These cookies bring back warm memories of baking afternoons shared with loved ones, filling the home with sweet aromas.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, electric mixer or stand mixer, rolling pin, cookie cutters, baking sheets, parchment paper, wire rack
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten) and dairy (butter). Check vanilla extract and powdered sugar for potential allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per cookie: 120 calories, 7 g total fat, 14 g carbohydrates, 1 g protein.
Save Enjoy these delightful cookies with your favorite tea or coffee for a perfect treat any time of day.
Recipe FAQs
- → What gives the shortbread its tender texture?
Softened unsalted butter combined with powdered sugar creates a light, tender dough that melts pleasantly in the mouth.
- → Can honey flavor be intensified without adding more honey?
Yes, warming the honey slightly before mixing or drizzling extra honey after baking can enhance the sweet aroma without altering texture.
- → How can I keep the cookies from spreading too much while baking?
Chilling the shaped dough on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before baking helps maintain shape and prevents excessive spreading.
- → Are there alternative flours for a nuttier taste?
Substituting half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour adds nuttiness and a deeper flavor profile to the shortbread.
- → What baking indicators show the cookies are done?
Shortbread is ready when the edges start turning a light golden color but the centers remain pale and tender.