Shortbread Cookies Recipe

This image shows a top-down view of a large clear glass bowl on a white marble countertop, holding creamed butter and sugar with a silver electric hand mixer resting inside the fluffy mixture.

These buttery shortbread cookies are melt-in-your-mouth delicious, with a delicate texture and rich vanilla flavor. Easy to make with just a few ingredients, they’re perfect for any occasion. A cookie press shapes them beautifully for a classic, festive touch.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 10

Total Time 25

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12 people

Calories 490 kcal

Equipment

Electric mixer
Large mixing bowl
Measuring cups
Measuring spoons
Cookie press
Two ungreased cookie sheets
Oven mitts

Ingredients

2 cups butter, softened
4 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup white sugar

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together with an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Stir in the vanilla extract, then add the flour and mix until fully combined.
Fill a cookie press with the dough and form cookies onto two ungreased cookie sheets, spacing them about 1 ½ inches apart.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are just starting to turn golden brown.
Remove the cookie sheets from the oven and set them on a wire cooling rack for a few minutes.
Then transfer the cookies directly to the rack to cool completely.

Notes

Make sure the butter is fully softened for easy creaming and smooth dough.
If the dough feels too soft to press, chill it briefly in the refrigerator