Basic shortbread

Discover the simplicity and delight of homemade basic shortbread with our easy recipe. Featuring buttery goodness, a hint of vanilla, and a perfectly crisp texture, this shortbread is made with all-purpose flour, corn flour, and powdered sugar. Ideal for any occasion!

  • 03 Feb 2025
  • Cook time 35 min
  • Prep time 45 min
  • 18 Servings
  • 7 Ingredients

Basic shortbread

Shortbread is a classic, buttery cookie that is both simple to make and simply delicious. This basic shortbread recipe is perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike, providing a tender, crumbly texture with a subtly sweet flavor. Using just a few common ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these delightful cookies that are sure to be a hit with family and friends.

Ingredients:

1 cup butter
220g
1 cup powdered sugar
160g
1 tsp vanilla extract
4g
2 cups all-purpose white wheat flour
250g
1/2 cup corn flour
72g
1 egg white
33g
2 tbsp sugar
30g

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, add the softened butter and powdered sugar. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, cream the butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3. Add Vanilla Extract:
- Mix in the vanilla extract until thoroughly combined.
4. Combine the Flours:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and corn flour until well amalgamated.
5. Form the Dough:
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture. Mix at low speed until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Shape the Dough:
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Shape it into a disk, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
7. Roll and Cut the Dough:
- After chilling, roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch (6mm) thickness. Cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters and place them onto the lined baking sheet.
8. Brush with Egg White and Sprinkle Sugar:
- In a small bowl, lightly beat the egg white. Using a pastry brush, lightly brush the tops of the shortbread cookies with the egg white. Sprinkle the granulated sugar evenly over the brushed cookies.
9. Bake the Cookies:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to prevent overbaking.
10. Cool and Enjoy:
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your delicious shortbread!

Tips:

- Use Room Temperature Butter: Ensure your butter is at room temperature before you begin. This helps it cream more easily with the sugar, resulting in a smooth and even dough.

- Don’t Overmix: Mix the ingredients just until they come together. Overmixing can lead to tough shortbread.

- Chill the Dough: After forming the dough, chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent spreading during baking and ensures a better texture.

- Use Parchment Paper: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and to make cleanup easier.

- Watch the Baking Time: Bake until the edges just start to turn golden. Shortbread should be pale and not overbaked, so keep a close eye on them as they bake.

- Cool Before Moving: Let the shortbread cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set and prevents crumbling.

Making basic shortbread from scratch is a rewarding experience that results in a delightful treat. With just a handful of ingredients and a straightforward process, you can create buttery, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread that’s perfect for any occasion. Follow these tips to ensure your shortbread turns out perfectly every time, and enjoy the satisfying crunch of homemade goodness.

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size44 grams
Energy
Calories 200kcal10%
Protein
Protein 2.23g1%
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates 24g7%
Fiber 0.60g2%
Sugar 11g11%
Fat
Fat 10g12%
Saturated 6g19%
Cholesterol 30mg-
Vitamins
Vitamin A 90ug10%
Choline 4.12mg1%
Vitamin B1 0.07mg6%
Vitamin B2 0.02mg2%
Vitamin B3 0.46mg3%
Vitamin B6 0.02mg1%
Vitamin B9 10ug3%
Vitamin B12 0.00ug0%
Vitamin C 0.00mg0%
Vitamin E 0.01mg0%
Vitamin K 0.90ug1%
Minerals
Calcium, Ca 6mg0%
Copper, Cu 0.03mg4%
Iron, Fe 0.36mg3%
Magnesium, Mg 7mg2%
Phosphorus, P 24mg2%
Potassium, K 33mg1%
Selenium, Se 3.53ug6%
Sodium, Na 4.74mg0%
Zinc, Zn 0.20mg2%
Water
Water 6g-
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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