This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
This buttery shortbread cookie recipe is melt-in-your-mouth delicious with only a handful of common ingredients!
We enjoy our Easy Shortbread Cookies for simplicity’s sake, but this version is more classic. It’s also very similar to our Spritz Cookies and Butter Cookies.
Best Loved Shortbread Cookies
Something about this classic shortbread cookie recipe is so comforting.
They are perfect for packing up in a bag or cookie tin and delivering to a friend or neighbor or for a Christmas cookie spread.
Here’s everything we love about them:
- Flavor. We love the flavor of shortbread cookies – buttery, crunchy, and melt-in-your-mouth amazing.
- Ingredients. They only require 5 ingredients that you probably already have on hand!
- Perfect for Holidays. These have always been one of our go-to Christmas Cookies because they’re classic, great for parties and on cookie plates.
It’s one of the simplest cookie recipes and great to make for any reason!
Just 5 Ingredients!
- unsalted butter – While you can use generic brand butter for best results use high-end butter like unsalted European butter. It has a higher milk fat content giving the best flavor and texture. Salted butter works too.
- vanilla extract – Change the taste by using other flavors like lemon, orange, or almond extract.
- all-purpose flour – Be sure to measure accurately by spooning the flour in the measuring cup and leveling it off.
- sugar
- milk
No Cookie Press?
If you do not have a cookie press you can still make these shortbread cookies. Here are a few easy alternatives:
- Smooth top cookie. Roll into a log and use a sharp knife to slice even circles.
- Use a cookie cutter. Roll the dough out on top of a piece of parchment/wax paper. To keep the dough from sticking to the rolling pin, place a second piece of paper over the top of the dough.
- Roll to about ¼ inch thick, then use a cookie cutter to make your shape. A scalloped cookie cutter is particularly pretty, but even a simple round cookie cutter works well.
How to Make Shortbread Cookies
- PREP. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- WET INGREDIENTS. Use a stand mixer with the paddle attachment or an electric hand mixer. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and mix well to combine.
- DRY INGREDIENTS. Add the flour and mix until the dough comes together. Add milk as needed until the dough reaches the consistency of play dough.
- PRESS. Scoop the dough into a cookie press. Hold the cookie press down on an ungreased, unlined baking sheet, (otherwise the dough won’t stick to the pan) and press to form the cookies.
- BAKE. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until very lightly golden on the bottom. Do not over-bake! Cool on a wire rack.
Add sprinkles if desired (before baking). We like to use white sparkling sugar sprinkles.
Pro Tip
The dough needs to be about the consistency of play dough so it’s easy to press through the cookie press. Add a few tablespoons of milk if needed to make the dough moist enough to press.
Storing Info
- STORE in an airtight container for 1-2 weeks at room temperature.
- FREEZE in a freezer-safe container, for 2-3months.
- STORE cookie dough. To store the dough to bake later, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and keep it in the fridge for 3-4 days or 4-6 weeks in the freezer. If freezing the dough, also wrap it with aluminum foil.
For more simple cookieS:
Butter Cookies
18 mins
Almond Cookie Recipe
23 mins
Recipe Video
Mexican Wedding Cookies
1 hr 26 mins
Recipe Video
5 from 156 votes
Shortbread Cookie Recipe
By: Lil’ Luna
This buttery Shortbread Cookie Recipe is melt-in-your-mouth delicious with only a handful of common ingredients!
Servings: 48 cookies
Prep: 15 minutes mins
Cook: 10 minutes mins
Total: 25 minutes mins
Ingredients
- 2 cups unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1-2 tablespoons milk as needed
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar with a hand mixer until light and fluffy. Add vanilla and mix well to combine.
Add flour and mix until the dough fully combines. Add milk as needed until the dough reaches the consistency of Play-Doh.
Scoop the dough into a cookie press. Hold the cookie press down on an ungreased, unlined baking sheet and press to form cookies.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, until very lightly golden on the bottom.
Let cookies sit on the cookie sheet for a few minutes, then remove to a rack to cool.
Video
Notes
STORE cookies in an airtight container for 1-2 weeks at room temperature.
STORE cookie dough. To store the dough to bake later, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and keep it in the fridge for 3-4 days or 4-6 weeks in the freezer. If freezing the dough, also wrap it with aluminum foil.
FREEZE in a freezer-safe container, for 2-3 months.
Nutrition
Serving: 1cookie, Calories: 122kcal, Carbohydrates: 12g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 8g, Saturated Fat: 5g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Trans Fat: 0.3g, Cholesterol: 20mg, Sodium: 1mg, Potassium: 14mg, Fiber: 0.3g, Sugar: 4g, Vitamin A: 236IU, Calcium: 4mg, Iron: 0.5mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Making this recipe? Tag us!
Share it with us on Instagram using the hashtag #lilluna, so we can see what you’re creating in the kitchen!
Categorized as: American Recipes, Cookies, Cuisines, Desserts, Recipes
About Kristyn
My name is Kristyn and I’m the mom of SIX stinkin’ cute kids and the wife to my smokin’ hot hubby, Lo. My mom’s maiden name is Luna, and I’m one of the many crafty “Lil’ Lunas” in the fam. On this site I like to share all things creative - from recipes to home decor to gifts and home decor ideas. Welcome!
More About Kristyn
Related Posts
Cookie Bar Recipes
30 mins
Easter Cookies
17 mins
Recipe Video
Easter Sugar Cookies
3 hrs 20 mins
Recipe Video
Carrot Cake Cookies
2 hrs 22 mins
Recipe Video
So Easy & So Yummy
Get my cookbook!
My new cookbook is the ultimate resource for feeding your friends and family with 200+ simple recipes including videos, tips & more!
Order Today