Shortbread Sugar Cookie Recipe

Shortbread cookies ready for baking. (Photo by Charlotte Ekker Wiggins)

Shortbread cookies ready for baking. (Photo by Charlotte Ekker Wiggins)

Shortbread Sugar Cookies

I have a friend who has a truck. That means whenever I need to pick up something, or get something moved, I call him. And he’s usually right where I need him.

So when I asked him what kind of sugar cookies he wanted, he used to tell me anything would do. Then we graduated to simple sugar cookies. Chocolate chip cookies went over well but I knew I still didn’t have the favorite recipe. He finally confessed. He likes shortbread cookies.

What’s the difference? Shortbread is a less sweet, more dry cookie, perfect for that late night cup of coffee, or tea.

Shortbread cookies are easy to make and even easier to decorate if you want to get fancy. This is a simple cookie recipe.

Shortbread Sugar Cookie Recipe

You will need:

  • ½ cup butter, softened (1 stick)

  • ½ cup powdered sugar

  • ¼ tsp vanilla extract

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour

  •  Writing icing or decorating gel (optional)

To make:

  1. * Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).

Four basic ingredients are the foundation of this cookie. (Photo by Charlotte Ekker Wiggins)

Four basic ingredients are the foundation of this cookie. (Photo by Charlotte Ekker Wiggins)

  1. Add the butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla to a mixing bowl. Stir until well blended. Stir in the flour and mix until a dough forms. You may need to use your hands!

  2. Move the dough to a well-floured surface. Roll dough out until it’s ¼” (6 mm) thick.

  3. Lightly dip the cookie cutter into flour and cut out as many cookies as you can. Move the cookies onto a cookie sheet. Collect the dough scraps and repeat.

  4. * Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are a light golden brown. Remove the cookie sheet from the oven to a cooling rack and cool for 2. Use a turner to move the cookies to a cooling rack.

  5. When the cookies are fully cooled, decorate with icing or gel.

My friend says he doesn’t want icing so I settled for sugar sprinkles.

I may try him out on icing next time.

Charlotte