Old-fashioned shortbread Cookies are beloved for their rich buttery flavor and satisfying crumbly texture. This classic treat brings a taste of nostalgia to every bite, making it perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to cozy afternoons with tea. With minimal ingredients, this recipe is simple yet delivers delicious results that everyone will love.

How to make Old Fashioned Shortbread Cookies

Ingredients:

• 2 cups butter at room temperature
• 1 pound icing sugar
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup corn starch
• 3 cups flour
• Maraschino cherries or baking gums for the centers, optional

Directions:

1. Cream together the butter and icing sugar very well until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Make sure no lumps of butter are visible.
2. Blend in the vanilla extract.
3. Sift together the flour and corn starch.
4. Slowly blend the sifted mixture into the creamed butter until a soft dough forms.
5. Split the dough into 2 equal round portions.
6. Wrap the dough rounds in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least a couple of hours. You have the option to freeze one of the dough portions for later enjoyment.
7. If you keep the dough in the fridge, it will last for 3-4 days, allowing you to bake cookies fresh as you desire.
8. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and line cookie sheets with parchment paper.
9. Roll the dough out to a thickness of just under 1/4 of an inch on a lightly floured surface. Use a 2-inch cookie cutter (or holiday-themed cutters) to cut out cookies.
10. Place the cookies on the parchment paper about half an inch apart. Add a half maraschino cherry or a baking gumdrop to the center of each cookie, if desired.
11. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges turn slightly brown.
12. Let the cookies cool on the pan for 10 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely.
13. Store the cookies in an airtight container. They freeze well for several weeks.

How to serve Old Fashioned Shortbread Cookies

These cookies are delicious on their own but can be served alongside a cup of tea or coffee. They make great gifts when packaged nicely and can be enjoyed at gatherings or during festive seasons. Feel free to add icing or drizzle chocolate on top for a special touch.

How to store Old Fashioned Shortbread Cookies

To keep your shortbread cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to keep them for a longer period, you can freeze them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Just remember to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Tips to make Old Fashioned Shortbread Cookies

• Make sure your butter is at room temperature for better mixing.
• Chill the dough well; this helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.
• Feel free to experiment with different shapes and decorations.
• If you like a sweeter cookie, you can add a bit more icing sugar.

Variation

For a different flavor, consider adding a bit of lemon or almond extract to the butter mixture. You can also try adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture and taste.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While butter gives the best flavor and texture for shortbread cookies, you can use margarine. However, the taste may be different.

2. How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies can stay fresh for about a week. They last longer when frozen.

3. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure your other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Old Fashioned Shortbread Cookies

These delightful Old Fashioned Shortbread Cookies are rich in buttery flavor and have a satisfying crumbly texture, perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American, Baked Goods

Servings 24 cookies

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups butter at room temperature Make sure your butter is at room temperature for better mixing.
• 1 pound icing sugar Adjust for sweetness as desired.
• 1 cup powdered sugar You can add more for a sweeter cookie.
• 2 tsp vanilla extract Feel free to experiment with other extracts.
• 1/2 cup corn starch Helps create a tender texture.
• 3 cups flour You can substitute with gluten-free flour.
• optional amount Maraschino cherries or baking gums For the centers, if desired.

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Cream together the butter and icing sugar very well until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Make sure no lumps of butter are visible.
• Blend in the vanilla extract.
• Sift together the flour and corn starch.
• Slowly blend the sifted mixture into the creamed butter until a soft dough forms.
• Split the dough into 2 equal round portions and wrap in plastic wrap.
• Chill in the refrigerator for at least a couple of hours. You can freeze one of the dough portions for later enjoyment.

Baking

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and line cookie sheets with parchment paper.
• Roll the dough out to a thickness of just under 1/4 of an inch on a lightly floured surface.
• Use a 2-inch cookie cutter (or holiday-themed cutters) to cut out cookies.
• Place the cookies on the parchment paper about half an inch apart.
• Add a half maraschino cherry or a baking gumdrop to the center of each cookie, if desired.
• Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges turn slightly brown.
• Let the cookies cool on the pan for 10 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Store the cookies in an airtight container. They freeze well for several weeks. For longer storage, separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Keyword Baking, cookies, Dessert Recipes, Holiday Treats, Shortbread