This easy, buttery shortbread cookie recipe comes together quickly. You can use one shortbread recipe to make classic shortbread cookies, or press into a pan to make shortbread fingers.

Hi hi! Just jumping in to share this super easy shortbread cookie recipe with you! Shortbread Cookies were one of the very first things I learned to bake from my Grandma, and they are so easy, I can't believe it has taken me this long to get a classic shortbread recipe on my site!
I love making homemade cookie recipes , and this one is extra special to me - to me, these are my ultimate Christmas cookie (or shortbread biscuit as we call them in New Zealand) although they are so good year round too.
Shortbread is a simple cookie to make, and I worked on this dough so that it can be made into two formats - shaped into a log for a slice and bake shortbread cookie, or pressed into a pan and topped with sugar, for more of a Scottish Shortbread style shortbread recipe.
Both options are the perfect shortbread cookie recipe - super buttery, with a nice snap, and a cookie that melts in your mouth. Truly just the best.
I had a bunch of people point out this was a great Ted Lasso shortbread - I haven't seen it, but I had a quick google and it seems to fit perfectly!
The base shortbread cookie recipe does not require a chill time, and can be made in 30 minutes. It is an egg free cookie recipe, made with pretty limited ingredients - it is the best shortbread recipe for a reason!
Check out my Hundreds and Thousands Biscuit recipe for another classic nostalgic NZ recipe!
Ingredients in Shortbread Cookies
This recipe for shortbread cookies follows a classic 3:2:1 shortbread recipe model: 3 parts flour, 2 parts butter, 1 part sugar, by weight.
This is a classic ratio, and makes the recipe super easy to scale, especially as this is an egg-free cookie recipe.
The dough comes together super quickly, so it is great to double up on and make extra shortbread cookies to have on hand whenever you need - they keep up to two weeks in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Powdered Sugar. Also known as icing sugar - I like to use powdered sugar rather than granulated sugar or caster sugar as it gives the shortbread a super smooth, crumbly finish.
- Butter. This shortbread recipe has minimal ingredients, so good quality butter is important here. I use unsalted, but if you would like to use salted butter, just omit the extra salt in the recipe.
- Flour. All-purpose flour is the best to use for shortbread. I top my flour up with a little cornstarch, which helps give the shortbread cookie a tender finish. You can use custard powder if you have that on hand in the place of the corn starch.
- Vanilla. This is optional and not often included in traditional shortbread recipes, but I love the flavour profile that it adds.
That's it! This shortbread recipe is super super simple - I really hope you love it as much as I do.
Two Shortbread formats - slice and bake shortbread, and Scottish shortbread
I worked on this dough so that you can use the plain shortbread recipe to make two forms of shortbread - one which you form into a log and slice into pieces, then bake to form shortbread cookies, and one where you press the shortbread dough into a pan, then bake at a lower temperature for a longer period of time, then slice into fingers, like Scottish shortbread.
Both formats are super easy and I truly don't have a favourite between the two of them - if you are wanting to make these in bulk, the scottish shortbread recipe might be easier, however I do love the look of the classic, slightly shaggy shortbread cookie.
You could also press the mixture into a 10" round cake pan and then turn out and cut into shortbread wedges.
The recipe for these shortbread cookies details how to make the slice and bake format - for the Scottish shortbread, check the notes under the recipe for the baking time and temperature.
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Shortbread cookies are baked at a lower oven temperature than something like a chocolate chip cookie recipe - although it is quite a stiff dough, you do want to prevent it from spreading too much, and you want the cookies to bake before they turn golden.
A good way to check to see if the shortbread is baked is to see if they are set - they will be slightly firm around the outside, and may be just beginning to turn golden around the edges. You want to keep them nice and pale so make sure your oven is running at the temperature it says that it is.
I bake the shortbread cookies at 160°c / 320°f, and the Scottish shortbread at 150°c / 300°f.
Both oven temperatures are conventional, not fan - this is important to ensure that your cookies do not over bake. You will need to adjust your oven if it will only bake with fan.
Does this shortbread recipe need to be chilled ?
No - I played around a lot with this while I was testing, changing the quantity of butter, sugar, and flour in the recipe and testing chill time, and found that there is no noticeable improvement made by chilling the dough before you bake the shortbread. However, if you did want to make it ahead, you could wrap the dough in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge until you are ready to bake cookies.
How to make Shortbread ahead of time
If you wanted to make shortbread ahead of time, you could freeze the baked cookies in an airtight container for up to a month, then defrost at room temperature. They are definitely much better fresh though, so if you can, make them ahead! For more information on freezing cookies, check out my post on how to freeze cookie dough
How do you store Shortbread?
Store your shortbread in an airtight container at room temperature. It will keep for up to a week.
What are the fork holes in shortbread for?
The fork holes in my shortbread are there because my grandma put them there, so now I do too. They do help the cookies from puffing up in the oven I think, but the pattern is totally up to you - my Grandma did two fork holes, so now I do too!
To me, that rustic shaggy look on the top of the shortbread cookies is how I like it - it comes from the dough dragging against the knife.
What size should I make my shortbread cookies?
This is totally personal preference. Once the dough is mixed, I turn it out of the mixing bowl, and shape it into a log on the work surface. I aim for a log about 3.5x6cm (1.4"x2.3"), knowing that the cookies will spread a little. If you would like yours to be a slightly different format, feel free to shape into a different sized log.
I cut slices off the log about 1cm (0.4") thick for my shortbread cookies, but again, you do you here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tools and equipment do you use?
You can find a full list of the tools and equipment I use on my
products page
Can I add other flavors to the shortbread?
If you want to add chopped nuts, chocolate chips or other extracts to the recipe, please feel free - know that I have not tried these so you will need to experiment.
Can this recipe be made without a stand mixer?
Yes - if you want to make these shortbread cookies with an electric hand mixer in a large bowl, that will work just fine - just make sure that the butter and sugar get creamed together well. I often use my stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment but an electric mixer works great too.
What is Corn Starch / Powdered Sugar?
Corn starch is also referred to as 'Cornflour' in NZ and the UK. Powdered sugar is 'icing sugar', and all-purpose flour is 'plain flour'.
For more Holiday cookie recipes, check out:
Made this recipe and love it?
If you made this recipe then I would LOVE for you to leave me a review below to let me know how you liked it! Also, please make sure to tag me on Instagram if you make it!
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It is important to note the type of salt that is called for in a recipe. I use Diamond Crystal salt throughout my recipes - if you use a different sort of kosher salt or regular table salt you will need to adjust accordingly as some salt is 'saltier' than others. Morton's salt is twice as salty, so you will need half the quantity. Same goes for a regular table salt. I am working to get gram measurements throughout my recipes for salt but still getting there.
All oven temperatures are conventional unless otherwise stated. If you are baking on fan / convection, you will need to adjust the temperature. An oven thermometer is a great investment to ensure that your oven is the correct temperature.
Using the double / triple function in the recipe card
You will notice that there is a '1X' '2X' '3X' button in my recipe card. This can be used for doubling or tripling a recipe. However, please note that this only doubles the ingredient quantities in the ingredients list and NOT in the method. If there are quantities or pan sizes in the method of the recipe (for example weigh out 150g brown butter), you will need to scale this number manually. It will also not change the baking time in the recipe so you will need to adjust this yourself too. It is always a good idea to read through a recipe fully before doubling it just to check this. If you would like to scale this recipe or convert for another pan size, use my calculator !
Tools and equipment
For a list of my go-to tools and equipment, I have a post you can refer to here .
Why is this recipe in grams?
I post my recipes in grams as it is the most accurate way to bake. Cups are not only inaccurate but they vary in volume worldwide. There is no way for me to provide one cup measure that works for everyone. However, posting in weight fixes this issue. If you would like the recipe in cups you are welcome to convert it yourself via google, but please do not ask me to do it for you as I am not comfortable providing a recipe using a method that I have not tested. Baking with a scale is easy, accurate, and also makes cleanup super simple. Here is the scale that I use if you would like a recommendation! Here's to accurate baking!
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- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 32 cookies 1 x
- Category: Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: English
Description
This easy, buttery shortbread cookie recipe comes together quickly. You can use one shortbread recipe to make classic shortbread cookies, or press into a pan to make Scottish shortbread.
Ingredients
- 125g powdered sugar, sifted
- 250g unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract (optional)
- 2g ( ½ tsp ) kosher salt (leave out if using salted butter)
- 350g all-purpose flour
- 30g corn starch
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 320°f / 160°c. Line two sheet pans with parchment paper.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with with the paddle attachment, or in a medium bowl using a handheld electric mixer, cream together the powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla until light and creamy, 2-3 minutes. Sift together the flour, corn starch and salt if using and add to the bowl, and mix until just incorporated.
- Turn out the dough onto a work surface, press the dough together, and shape into a rectangle log about 3 ½ cm x 6 cm (1.4"x2.3"), squaring off the edges with a bench scraper.
- Using a sharp knife, cut the shortbread into biscuits 1cm (0.4") thick, and arrange on the trays, leaving a little room for spreading.
- Bake the shortbread for 16 to 17 minutes, until set and just beginning to turn golden around the edges. Remove from the oven and leave to cool on the pans, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Store shortbread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks - best eaten the week that they are made.
Notes
For Scottish shortbread : Preheat the oven to 300°f / 150°c bake. Grease and line a 9" (23cm) square pan with parchment paper, extending it over the edges to form a sling.
Make the dough as directed, then press the mixture into the prepared pan, smoothing down with your hands. Prick with a fork or make a design on the top. Sprinkle with raw sugar if you like, then bake for 50 to 55 minutes until lightly golden. Remove from the oven, leave to cool, then remove from the pan and slice into fingers using a sharp knife.
Keywords: Shortbread, Scottish Shortbread, Shortbread cookies, Easy shortbread recipe
Comments
I can’t wait to make these!
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Delish!!
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Would this recipe be suitable for rolling out and using cookie cutters? Do I need to change anything?
That is a Christmas tradition in our house that my MIL taught me and my husband and friends expect. Thanks, I enjoy your recipes. We have such fond memories of our four trips to beautiful New Zealand.
Hi! No this isn't really a roll out cookie recipe! The hundreds and thousands recipe would work for that though!
Thank you. My MIL’s recipe will live on! I’ll make both.
This is the easiest and most foolproof shortbread cookie recipe I've tried to date. Thank you so much!!
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These look delicious! Can't wait to try them for Christmas
I love the Trader Joe’s chocolate stars (shortbread cookies dipped in dark chocolate w nonpareils sprinkles) do you think I could recreate them w this cookie?!
I'm not sure sorry! I would use a cut out cookie rather than this
I made these during my lunch break today. They were so quick to mix together, and taste absolutely amazing! The texture is perfect. Firm but not crunchy and not crumbly or too soft! Perfection!
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Easy, tasty, overall a great cookie 😋
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Super easy to make, but that doesn't make them any less delicious!! Made them with my toddler for her to take to daycare and I'll be whipping up another batch before the end of the week for 'Santa'!
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Second batch was even better!! I left out the vanilla which I think for me I preferred 😀
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I love how tour measurements are weights - so easy, universal and as you say accurate. Why do people insist on using cups and spoons which are none of the above.
Made this both ways and PERFECT! So good for Christmas, or any time!!!!
Also a stiff enough dough if people like shaped shortbread you can use a cookie cutter
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If no vanilla paste should you add liquid vanilla extract
Hi! Yes you can use extract, or you can leave it out if you like 🙂
Hi Erin,
Wondering if this dough would work well as a base for a thumbprint cookie? Thinking of using this as a part of a cookie box for Christmas and would be great if I could get 2 uses from one dough.
Hi! No it's too buttery, I have a thumbprint cookie coming soon 🙂
love this and am going to baking up a storm this weekend for christmas gifting!
was wondering if i can use this base recipe and just add cocoa powder to make these into chocolate shortbread? am also thinking of exploring a matcha version! appreciate the advice!
Thanks much in advance!
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Hi! I haven't tried before sorry!
I don't have the vanilla paste on hand, would this work with the liquid vanilla?
Hi! Yes that will be just fine 🙂
This recipe is the best shortbread cookie one ever! My husband loves shortbread! I took half of them and dipped them in sugar!
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Made these to give as Christmas gifts but sampled a few myself and they are delicious! Such a simple recipe to follow, thank you so much!
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Hello. What would the bake time be for an 8x8 pan?
I haven't tried it sorry! You'd just have to check on it!
For any of my fellow gluten-free/celiac folks… This recipe is easily converted with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour. I use King Arthur brand in the US. The only adjustment that I found that worked best for me is to bake at 335° for 20-30 minutes (depending on altitude). Try not to eat them all in one sitting!
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Thank you!
Thank you, these are easy, bloody delicious and remind me of my grandmothers amazing baking. Cooking with grams is so simple and helps to get a great result from a well developed recipe.
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Great shortbread recipe! So easy, so yummy, melt in your mouth shortbread deliciousness
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I absolutely loved this recipe! It's so easy to put together and it's done in a jiffy, which is great for these hectic days! Next time I bake this I'll be adding some orange zest! Thanks Erin for the recipe and all the tips !
What kind of knife do you use to slice (to get the shaggy look) - mine came out smooth
Just a regular chef's knife!
Quick and easy recipe! Everyone in my family loved them!
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This recipe was so wonderful! I made the Scottish Shortbread version, gluten-free - you can check it out on my blog @ https://simonaglutenfree.wordpress.com . Instead of adding the corn starch, I just used my GF mix - which has already potato and modified tapioca starches. The cookies just melted in your mouth and, because my knife wasn't sharp enough, some did crumble when I cut them. But we all went for the crumbs, by the spoonful! Thank you so much Erin for the incredible recipe 😊
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