Buttery, Melt-in-your-mouth Shortbread Cookies

This shortbread cookie recipe makes tender, buttery, classic shortbread cookies that hold their shape in the oven and melt in your mouth. Dipping in chocolate is optional, but highly recommended!
Recipe: sugarspunrun.com/best-shortbr...
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened (226g)
¾ cup powdered sugar (95g)
1 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour (250g)
2 Tablespoons cornstarch
½ teaspoon table salt
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases from the links below.
Mixing bowls (Affiliate Link): amzn.to/2C47vQx
Baking sheet (Affiliate Link): amzn.to/36AXRkO
Rolling pin (Affiliate Link): amzn.to/3c056b7
2” Cookie cutter (Affiliate Link): amzn.to/37b9rGG
Instructions
00:00 Introduction
00:16 In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat butter until lightened, smooth and creamy.
01:13 Gradually add sugar, stirring until light and creamy.
01:55 Add vanilla extract and stir well.
02:39 In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, and salt and whisk until combined.
03:50 Gradually add flour mixture to wet ingredients and stir until completely combined.
04:40 Form dough into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 60 minutes.
05:40 Once cookie dough is nearly done chilling, preheat oven to 350F (175C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
05:50 Remove dough from the refrigerator and roll out on a lightly floured surface until the dough is between ⅛”-¼” thickness. Press a cookie cutter directly into dough, making cuts close together, and place cookies on baking sheet spacing at least 2” apart. Combine any remaining scraps of cough into a ball and re-roll to make more cookies.
08:40 Transfer baking sheet to center rack of 350F (175C) oven and bake for 9-11 minutes or until edges are just beginning to turn a very light golden brown (bake time will vary depending on thickness of dough and size of cookie cutter).
09:50 If desired, melt 1 cup/6 oz/170g chocolate and dip completely cooled cookies into chocolate. Place cookies on a wire rack and allow chocolate to set before serving.
Notes
Number of cookies
This will vary depending on the size of the cookie cutter used and how thick or thin you roll the dough. I use a 2” cookie cutter and get about 44 cookies.
Butter
Upgrade to European-style butter for richer-tasting, more buttery cookies.
Vanilla
Elevate your cookies by substituting 2 teaspoons of vanilla bean paste or the seeds of a scraped vanilla bean for the vanilla extract.
Variations
Make a brown sugar shortbread by reducing the powdered sugar to ½ cup (63g), cream ¼ cup (50g) of brown sugar with the butter, and increase cornstarch to 3 Tablespoons.
Original recipe
Original recipe can be found here:
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[@BeforeMoviesSucked]

Some say that Christmas begins in December. Some say it begins after Veterans Day. Some say it begins after Thanksgiving. To me, it begins when there's an abrupt resurgence of shortbread cookies. 😋 Thanks, Sam!

[@SugarSpunRun]

Haha I love that. Enjoy! :)

[@anderson8601]

Luke clearly understands the saying: "Life is too short to wait another minute"

[@SugarSpunRun]

😂

[@Daughter_of_the_MostHigh]

I appreciate so much, that you have the written instructions in the description, it makes it so easy just to write it down real quick and not going to treasure hunt through different websites

[@SugarSpunRun]

I’m so glad it’s helpful. 😊

[@louisefulcher193]

Luke is adorable! Such a great “helper.”

[@Kryhavok6010]

Made these yesterday - they are delicious... I rolled some out thin and left some a little thicker... I love the thin ones plain, family liked the thicker with the chocolate dip...Another great recipe!

[@philspear73]

I bet almond extract would be good too! Looks amazing!

[@denisecurtis872]

I bought this mixer and I’m obsessed! The scraper beaters and the spotlight makes a real difference. Thank you

[@SugarSpunRun]

YES isn't it great!?

[@jslezak57]

Thank you for the recipe!!!! I've made THREE batches in the past two days and each batch was perfect. The recipe is so easy and works out perfectly (be sure to follow the directions to add the flour in three additions - it makes a definite difference in the dough). I appreciate the fact that your recipe is in metric grams. Over the past several years, I have dumped the traditional "scoop and measure" method for weighing all ingredients. The result has been consistent results EVERY TIME. I can't wait to try your other recipes :)

[@SugarSpunRun]

I’m so glad you enjoyed them! I love weighing all of my ingredients. It’s so much easier and more accurate. 😊

[@SavoryExperimentsCooking]

These are so necessary during the holidays! Love!

[@ruthannecoro6198]

I have a 3 piece Pyrex set I received in 1988 😊 I still use.. and love these bowls!

[@RealZoo]

I made these yesterday and they were delicious. The dough started to crack when I began rolling it out but it was an easy fix. This recipe is a keeper!

[@SugarSpunRun]

I’m so glad you enjoyed them so much! 😊

[@sewcrazybaker]

I love Shortbread cookies, and homemade is the absolute best! I'll have to buy some European butter. I saw some at my grocery store and I think they're carrying it just for ME! Luke is adorable!

[@SugarSpunRun]

Thank you! I hope you love these cookies! :)

[@yukixstar628]

Tried your recipe last Christmas and it was perfect. It was so buttery, melt in your mouth and not overly sweet. Then I put some glaced cherries on top to make it more festive. Now this one is just in time for Valentines day ❤

[@pclem4686]

They look great

[@user-nb5sv7cr6g]

I love them! They look great, going to try! Thank you🥰

[@kathrynmoreno3267]

Can’t wait to try this recipe. Thank you.❤

[@SugarSpunRun]

I hope you love them! :)

[@arianemariano3807]

I love shortbread cookies. I definitely need to make these! ❤👍🏼🎅🏼

[@SugarSpunRun]

Hope you enjoy!! :)

[@yvettemarie9934]

Love a shortbread! I'll definitely try! Love all your recipes!

[@SugarSpunRun]

Thank you so much for trying my recipes!

[@1006kathleen]

I love your little boy Luke ' he is so adorable ! And thank you for this cool recipe " love shortbread ! 💖💕🎉❤⭐

[@luxaeterna9383]

These are a staple where I'm from (the Balkans), such a classic cookie for holiday season and all year round really. Thank you for sharing this recipe ❤

[@SugarSpunRun]

They are so good! :)

[@samanthamarbury]

love it ! we put nutela in the middle and made a sandwitch out of it.

[@SugarSpunRun]

That sounds awesome! 😊

[@mrs.m.b.3630]

Thank you! ❤

[@jeffsetgo]

Thank you! I'm sending this to wife.

[@daisymay4183]

I can't wait to try these. They look delicious 😋

[@SugarSpunRun]

I hope you love them!

[@LovesDachshunds-vp4gf]

Oh WOW!!! Thanks so much for this recipe! These are one of my favorite cookies. Thanks for making my day so much sweeter! You are amazing!

[@SugarSpunRun]

Thank you so much! I hope you love these. :)

[@charmainemontgomery582]

I’ll have to try this recipe. I love shortbread cookies 😊

[@SugarSpunRun]

I hope you love them! :)

[@zunairahawthorne]

✨I was looking around the internet to see what to bake and I decided to … *cue the angelic music* come to your channel to see what to make and *angelic music again* short bread cookies for my mom and absolutely perfect idea and don’t get me started on how much I cracked up when the stand mixer was left all alone!😂 on a serious note though she is absolutely amazing!🤩 😍✨

[@wynnkidsnannylorivance4111]

Thank you!!!!

[@Lisa_Isom]

Sam, it's great to know you "work harder," so we don't have to! I rest assured each recipe will be perfect and delicious. Can't get that anywhere else!! ❤ Happy New Year and blessings to your family ❤

[@ruthannecoro6198]

Oh Sam.. you’re making my cookie list longer.. I think I’m going to add these with a local homemade butter .. these look lovely!

[@SugarSpunRun]

That sounds amazing! I hope you love them! :)

[@lacretiastarr]

Definitely on the to be baked list😋❤

[@SugarSpunRun]

Enjoy!

[@loiscarteaux9389]

Definitely making❤

[@SugarSpunRun]

Enjoy! :)

[@karengaudiosi9390]

I want to add this to my annual cookie collection - and love the idea of using European butter!

[@SugarSpunRun]

I hope you love them! :)

[@marthamika7372]

Thank you for the recipe. That looks delicious 👍🏼 👍🏼⚘️

[@SugarSpunRun]

Enjoy! :)

[@Michelle-Gx3jq]

Another cute appearance from Mr. Luke😂 I love shortbread cookies! Will definitely be making these❤

[@SugarSpunRun]

If there's cookies, he's around! He's like a shark that smells blood in the water. 🤣 I hope you love these! :)

[@heidi6418]

Happy I found your recipe. I’m trying to make shortbread sandwich cookies. I did not follow your instructions about adding the flour in a little bit at a time. Next time I will lol.

[@francesmorgan6397]

Thanks Sam I love shortbread

[@SugarSpunRun]

You're very welcome, enjoy!

[@Scorpion4646]

This is the fastest I have ever made a recipe from the time of upload! I just did a quarter batch and pressed the dough into snowflake molds to make 4 cookies. Absolutely delicious! Will make a full batch to share very soon

[@SugarSpunRun]

That's awesome! I'm glad you enjoyed them! :)

[@lindsayb1329]

I made these for my family and they were definitely worth it! Changing the butter used, you can really tell the difference

[@SugarSpunRun]

I’m glad you enjoyed them! The butter really is important. 😊

[@susanhammitt7080]

So pretty. I love shortbread. Always delicious.

[@SugarSpunRun]

It really is so good! Thank you!

[@maimoonaalam2985]

These are such tasty cookies! Thank you for sharing the recipe!

[@SugarSpunRun]

You're welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed them! :)

[@Daughter_of_the_MostHigh]

everybody loved your sugar cookies now I have to try these ones

[@SugarSpunRun]

You’re going to love these too!

[@kenmoreSF]

Luke is so adorable. I hope you will feature him more in future videos.

[@SugarSpunRun]

Thank you! He will certainly be showing up from time to time. :)

[@JJ-nh2oi]

I made these today and it was so delicious. This is definitely on my list of holiday baking. Thank you so much for the recipe and taking the time to explain each step. Happy Holidays!

[@JJ-nh2oi]

Oh yea I forgot to add, I made 2 batches and they came out perfect!

[@kimdelorme6314]

Love your bloopers❤❤❤❤Your son is so cute and smart!❤❤

[@SugarSpunRun]

Thank you! :)

[@cinderella5027]

Making these this weekend thanks!! I know they'll be great :) Merry Christmas! 🎄

[@SugarSpunRun]

Enjoy! Merry Christmas!

[@jeffsetgo]

Thank you Sam.

[@SugarSpunRun]

Thank YOU! Enjoy!

[@robertguerrero8009]

Very nice and easy, thanks for sharing..

[@SugarSpunRun]

You're welcome! : Enjoy! :)

[@jasonf9325]

I dabble in baking and have made a cake (just one), cookies, nanaimo bars etc. But, this was my first time making shortbread cookies and they turned out great. I'm not used to rolling dough so when it started cracking (big ones) on the edges, I was worried. But I just rolled the cracks closed and kept going until it was 1/4" thick. Currently cooling while my better half is using the kitchen to make supper. Was adorable that you basically asked Luke to like and subscribe.🤣

[@SugarSpunRun]

🤣 I'm so glad you enjoyed them so much! I hope you love everything you try! :)

[@mmakomanyatja5213]

Super good Sam I will make them for Christmas many thanks nd bless to your family

[@SugarSpunRun]

I hope you love them! :)

[@MyName-zd9pe]

I have Amish butter, hopefully the cookies will turn out just as good. Thank you for the recipe, I usually make all my cookies homemade, but buy those Scottish buttery shortbread cookies at the store. God bless. 💖🙏🏻✝️🇺🇸

[@SugarSpunRun]

I bet they'll be delicious with Amish butter! Enjoy!

[@cjboac9864]

Amish butter makes this cookie recipe absolutely fabulous! So much better than all the others!👍❣️

[@cjboac9864]

Also, I sift the flour! Much better!

[@crystaldawn8875]

And use your BESTEST Vanilla too..ooooo sooooo yummyriffico❤🎉

[@francesmorgan6397]

He's just precious love seeing him he's a darling.

[@SugarSpunRun]

I love it when he wants to join me (usually 🤣). Very lucky to have such a great little helper!

[@francesmorgan6397]

@@SugarSpunRun yes u r

[@anniessmokingpot]

Luke is so adorable 😊😊 these cookies look so decadent and delicious 😋 😊 thank you so much for sharing your wonderful recipe 😀 😊😊 ❤Annie

[@SugarSpunRun]

Thank you so much 🤗 I hope you love the cookies! :)

[@charlottekearn5185]

These look so good, I love shortbread cookies. Recently I made your apple pie cheesecake, it was a hit and I mean a hit. Making your peppermint cheesecake for a function next Monday, I know it will be delicious too. Now I have to squeeze these cookies in somewhere. If I want to make squares instead of using a cookie cutter do I just roll thin like these and cut into 2 inch squares and use same baking time?

[@robertgrey6101]

You can have your cookies!! I'll have shortbread biscuits, thank you.

[@nikitapatel2832]

So glad you have measurements in gr. , not only in cups like the most of recipes are . Thank you very much, I’ll make it today . Best from London.

[@SugarSpunRun]

You're welcome! I hope you love them! :)

[@angelatruly]

I am going to try this recipe today. I was actually looking something close to a Walker or Scottish shortbread. Would you share that if it is in your recipes? TIA

[@mehjabeenjable3632]

Hi I wanted to know the purpose for chilling the dough an also I don't have cutter could I press the dough til flat

[@pheona1164]

Thank you for this. I usually follow your recipes off your website, but today I strayed. I made someone else's recipe and it tasted like pancakes. I'll never try another again.

[@kaffepojke]

I'm about ready to start a batch of these shortbread cookies, but for the next time I make them I was wondering if you have ever made them with a different style of flour: ie: bread flour or cake flour? Interesting possibilities. Looking forward to these delicious cookies.

[@SugarSpunRun]

I have not tried with bread or cake flour so I can't say for sure how they would turn out.

[@dianehelensarno2060]

Sam were did you get your scooper for your canister?? I love them.Definitely making those delicious shortbread

[@SugarSpunRun]

I found them on amazon! They're stainless steel scoops and I love them. Here is my affiliate link: amzn.to/47yzODa

[@realsushrey]

Did the big mixer break? Was it sad that it was not being used? As a new viewer, I have many questions.

[@thefunny3589]

Can you use almond flour?

[@shellyannpurcell1760]

Is the corn starch necessary? Or i used cake flour?

[@CruzCruz-nw7fi]

To me that’s what Christmas is all cookies cakes pies and if ur good enough candy 🍭, that’s all I want to eat at Christmas

[@SugarSpunRun]

Sounds like a good idea to me! :)

[@mitchellrobless360]

can i keep it the fridge for 2 days

[@4America2024]

❤

[@annference4500]

Can you please tell me what a third of a cup of cornstarch weighs in grams please

[@garybeshears5632]

😊

[@carolcarter865]

Absolutely delicious. Thanks for the recipe ❤

[@HortonzEgg]

Thank you Sam and Merry Christmas! Can this dough be spread into a pan for baking?

[@SugarSpunRun]

You're welcome! Merry Christmas! This will work being spread into a pan. :)

[@HortonzEgg]

Thank you Sam! I appreciate your response at such a busy time of year.

[@HortonzEgg]

Thank you Sam! I appreciate your response at such a busy time of year. One more question - if I'm using a 9x13 pan, could you recommend a baking temp and time? I understand if you haven't made them this way you may not have an answer.

[@SugarSpunRun]

@HortonzEgg the temperature would remain the same but I can’t be sure on a bake time. Let me know how it goes!

[@HortonzEgg]

Will do!@@SugarSpunRun

[@SovereignSelf2095]

Can I freeze the dough as a disc then thaw when I’m ready to bake?

[@SugarSpunRun]

That should work. :)

[@Cre8tiveOne66]

Sam, any tips on how to revive hardened brown sugar & how to keep it from hardening?

[@bobbyfitzgerald4165]

Microwave it. That revives it

[@RemarkablyAverageJane]

Old-fashioned way: Keep a piece of white bread in the container with the sugar! Modern way: They make porous (terracotta) discs that you can soak in water and add to keep the sugar soft. Edit: Both can revive hardened sugar with patience.

[@nancyspradling1131]

Nearly identical to my grandmother’s recipe from 70 years ago!

[@SugarSpunRun]

Soooo good! :)

[@rosalieholdaway6017]

Lụe is sio cute

[@rollonmom]

Can you use gluten free flour as long as you xathum gum?

[@SugarSpunRun]

Unfortunately, I am not familiar with using gluten free flour so I can't say for sure how it would turn out. Let me know how it goes if you do try it. :)

[@joudfallaha5049]

Hello from Aleppo City Could be so kind as to Mention the weight of the each Ingredient Thanks and regards

[@SugarSpunRun]

Weights are all listed in the description 🙂

[@kaylamosta4024]

can i use salted butter

[@SugarSpunRun]

Yes, just leave out the salt

[@annabrahamson4320]

Also if you use measuring cups fluf your flour with a spoon, don't pack it leval with knife.

[@Olive_O_Sudden]

This is the same recipe as your Whipped Shortbread except that creaming time is much shorter and this dough gets chilled prior to baking.

[@SugarSpunRun]

Makes sense ☺️

[@Olive_O_Sudden]

@@SugarSpunRun Excellent. It's nice to have a single recipe that can produce two differently textured cookies.♥

[@user-si8bk9jj6j]

⭐⭐⭐⭐🌷

[@mariamajalloh9161]

Hi

[@karentreddenbarger1720]

Love it. Thanks lady!!

[@SugarSpunRun]

You are so welcome! 💜

[@lynnosborne2707]

Save on my phone

[@pheabe]

I wish there was no chatting and only showing the recipe

[@SugarSpunRun]

Ah oh well

[@mimiohnine]

I could not disagree more! Keep up what you do!! 🎉🎉🎉

[@user-gk8go5pv2q]

It's the first time I watched a video , that the demonstrator of the cookies, almost doesn't want to touch the butter, you are not suppose to be in the kitchen.

[@SugarSpunRun]

🤣 what? Next time I’ll slather it on my face for ya 🤣🤣

[@karentreddenbarger1720]

I need to get a scale.

[@bobbyfitzgerald4165]

I got a cheap one at Walmart. Its reliable

[@SugarSpunRun]

It's a great investment and relatively cheap. :)

[@karentreddenbarger1720]

I found one from Home Depot. Lol. Thanks for the advice and location help. Baking really is a science. What do you think about powdered vanilla. I just bought some and I'm excited to make these shortbread cookies. I love your recipes. Take care and God bless.