Ingredients:
– 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
– ¾ cup granulated white sugar
– 2 sticks (1 cup) cold, unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with butter.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
3. Using a pastry blender, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Add 3-4 tablespoons of cold water and continue to mix until the dough comes together.
5. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead briefly until smooth.
6. Roll out the dough to a ¼-inch thickness. Cut out the desired shapes with a cookie cutter and place on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly browned. Allow to cool completely before serving.
Shortbread cookies are a traditional cookie from Scotland with a history that dates back to medieval times. They are made from a simple combination of butter, sugar, and flour and are usually cut into round or triangular shapes.
Shortbread cookies can be easy to make with just a few ingredients and basic kitchen tools. Begin by creaming together butter and sugar in a stand mixer. Once the ingredients are fully combined, add in flour a little bit at a time, mixing until a firm but pliable dough is formed. Roll the dough out to a thickness of 1/4 inch, then cut into desired shapes. Finally, transfer the cookies to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake until lightly golden.
Tips and techniques for creating the perfect shortbread cookie include using softened, but not melted butter to get a light and melt-in-your-mouth texture. It’s also important to not overmix the dough, as this can cause it to become tough or dense. Additionally, it’s best to use a low-gluten flour such as cake flour or pastry flour for a tender cookie. Finally, baking at a moderate temperature of 350°F and checking the cookies frequently to ensure they don’t overbake is key for a perfect cookie.