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Delicious Shortbread Cookies That Melt in Your Mouth

There’s something timeless about the delicate, buttery charm of shortbread cookies. Known for their tender, crumbly texture that literally melts in your mouth, these cookies are a simple pleasure that never goes out of style. Whether you’re serving them with afternoon tea, gifting them during the holidays, or enjoying them as a sweet snack, this recipe guarantees perfection every time. Let’s dive into creating these melt-in-your-mouth delights.

Ingredients

To make about 24 classic shortbread cookies, you’ll need:

1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon salt

Optional: A few tablespoons of powdered sugar for dusting after baking, or a light sprinkle of sea salt for a gourmet twist.

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking. This small step ensures your cookies bake evenly and slide off the pan easily.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, add the softened butter and granulated sugar. Using a hand mixer or a stand mixer on medium speed, cream the butter and sugar together until it becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color—about 3–5 minutes. This step is crucial because the fluffiness creates the delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 3: Add the Vanilla

Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the creamed butter mixture and blend until fully incorporated. The vanilla adds a subtle warmth and depth to the flavor of the shortbread.

Step 4: Mix in the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture on low speed. Mix just until the dough comes together—avoid overmixing, as it can make the cookies tough instead of tender.