Shortbread Cookies

This shortbread cookie recipe is one of the simplest recipes I know. With only four ingredients, you can make a delicious, light,butteryr cookie that is perfect for any day.

Shortbread cookies were my mom's favorite and every time I bake these I think back to the little white recipe card my mom had. These are eggless shortbread cookies and are made with just 4 ingredients.

This is one of our easy cookie recipes you will want to bookmark.

Do you want a tasty treat that captures the spirit of Valentine’s Day? Well, you're in luck! Our classic heart-shaped shortbread cookies recipe is here to satisfy your sweet cravings.

These cookies have a rich, buttery flavor and a crumbly texture that make them an ideal addition to your holiday party table.

Get ready to indulge in the joy of baking these classic shortbread cookies and make every moment a celebration of buttery goodness!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Buttery Shortbread Bliss: Indulge in the rich, buttery flavor that defines the perfect shortbread cookie.
• Simple Ingredients, Stunning Results: With just a handful of everyday kitchen staples, you can create a batch of delicious cookies.
• Versatility in Shapes: Whether it's hearts,  traditional rounds, festive shapes, or your personal preference, these cookies are easily customizable.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: From holiday gatherings to everyday sweet treats, these cookies are a delightful addition to any moment.

Ingredients for easy shortbread cookies

• Butter - softened
• Sugar
• Vanilla extract
• All purpose flour

Equipment and kitchen tools

• Rolling pin
• Heart-shaped cookie cutters
• Parchment paper lined baking pan

How to make homemade shortbread cookies

Heat oven to 375

In a large bowl, mix together softened butter, sugar, and vanilla with an electric mixer.

Add flour to the mixture, about ½ cup at a time, and mix well.

Roll dough on a lightly floured work surface until ½ inch thick.

Use a cookie cutter to cut the shortbread dough into shapes, and place the cut cookies on a greased or lined cookie sheet.

Bake cookies for 13–15 minutes, until golden brown.

Let it cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes before removing it from the cookie sheet.

Tips for best results

• For a crumbly texture, use European butter with a higher butterfat content.
• If using a stand mixer, attach the paddle attachment and mix at low speed for the perfect dough consistency.
• Roll the dough on a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking and achieve the desired thickness.
• Use a silicone mat to line your baking sheet, if you have one.
• A pastry cutter works well with this recipe, but clean hands are the best way to thoroughly mix the dough.
• You can make the dough ahead of time and keep in the refrigerator until ready to roll and cut.
• Use parchment paper on the cookie sheet for easy clean up (and in my opinion, a better-baked cookie).

Substitutions and Variations

• Try different shapes and sizes for a fun twist.
• Experiment with flavored sugars or add a hint of melted chocolate on top.
• You can use brown sugar instead of white sugar for another layer of flavor.
• Unsalted butter works best for this recipe.
• Top each cookie with icing sugar or confectioner's sugar for extra sweetness and presentation.
• You can add ½ cup of chopped almonds to the dough before cooking for a nice variation of this cookie.

I hope you loved these 4 ingredient shortbread cookies! I am all about EASY recipes. 

FAQs About This Recipe

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More great cookie recipes

This post was presented in partnership with Cookies for Kids' Cancer. Did you know that cancer is the #1 cause of death of children by disease in the U.S.? There are 40,000 U.S. children actively battling cancer right now. With less than 4% of the National Cancer Institute's budget going to all childhood cancer combined, I knew it was important for me to get involved.

Help us make a difference by donating to Cookies for Kids' Cancer! Our goal is to raise at least $3000. Because these three companies: Dixie Crystals, Mediavine and OXO have each pledged to match our donations raised through this campaign up to $3000!

Thanks to many of you, we have reached our goal. You can still donate and help us make an even bigger difference!

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If you try this recipe or any other recipe on Organized Island, please don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know where you found it in the comments below, I love hearing from you! Also, let's connect on Instagram. Let me know you are following from the blog so I can follow you back. It would bring me much joy!

Check out these other great cookie recipes from friends:

Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake from Julie of The Little Kitchen
Læsø Salted Chocolate Chip Cookies from Camilla of Culinary Adventures with Camilla
Meyer Lemon Cookies from Linda of Simply Healthyish Recipes
Soft & Chewy Gluten Free Oatmeal Raisin Cookies from Allie of Miss Allie's Kitchen
Small Batch Bakery Style Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe from Faith of An Edible Mosaic
Chocolate Madeleines from Caroline of Caroline's Cooking
Rainbow Rice Krispie Treats from Bree of Baked Bree
Tiger Butter Candy from Melissa of MamaGourmand
Valentine's Day Gluten Free Sugar Cookies from Brianna of Flippin' Delicious
Chocolate Spritz Sandwich Cookies from Carlee of Cooking With Carlee
Pink Velvet Chocolate Chip Cookies from Jenn of Ever After in the Woods
French Butter Cookies from Rebekah of Kitchen Gidget
mini rose cookies from Meaghan of the decorated cookie
Raspberry Linzer Cookies from Stephie of Stephie Cooks
Red Velvet Brownies with White Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting from Coleen of The Redhead Baker
Salted Dark Chocolate Cookies from Jessica of A Kitchen Addiction
Nutella Stuffed Cookies from Allison of Celebrating Sweets