Print

Classic Buttery Scottish Shortbread Cookies (Melt In Your Mouth)

A close-up stack of golden brown, rectangular shortbread cookies with fork marks visible on top.
Print Recipe
Save Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make authentic, buttery shortbread cookies using just four simple ingredients. This traditional Scottish recipe yields crisp, crumbly cookies that melt in your mouth, perfect for your holiday cookie tray or afternoon tea.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is important for texture.
  3. Gradually add the flour and salt to the butter mixture. Mix on low speed or by hand until just combined. Do not overmix the dough; stop as soon as no dry streaks of flour remain.
  4. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan or roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/2 inch thickness for cutting shapes.
  5. If using a pan, score the dough into squares or fingers before baking. If cutting shapes, place them on the prepared baking sheet.
  6. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. The center should remain pale.
  7. Remove from the oven. While still warm, immediately cut the shortbread into desired shapes if you baked it as one piece.
  8. Let the cookies cool completely in the pan or on the sheet before moving them. This helps achieve the perfect crumbly texture.

Notes

  • For the most authentic flavor, use high-quality, room-temperature butter.
  • To achieve the classic ‘melt in your mouth’ texture, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking if you cut out shapes.
  • You can substitute 1/4 cup of the flour with cornstarch for an even more tender, sandy texture.
  • Store these crisp tea cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookincorner.com/classic-shortbread-cookies-recipe/