Recipe for Bite-Sized Shortbread Cookies
What is comforting about shortbread cookies? Is it a good idea to make cashmere sweaters for baking? I love shortbread cookies and this recipe is my go-to when I need a little pick-me-up. When I’m having friends over for tea. I can’t stand it. Is it easier to make sugar cookies? Think of these cookies as the fancy little cousins of your average butter cookie – buttery, crumbly and crunchy. Just sweet enough to make you smile. I remember my grandma always making these around the holidays, and the smell alone brings back so many memories. I have many happy memories. I swear, these little cookies are pure sunshine on a plate. My kids love them too, and they’re the perfect size for little hands (and big ones!).
What is a bite-sized shortbread cookie?
Shortbread cookies are essentially a miniature version of the classic Scottish treat. It’s essentially a simple, unleavened cookie made primarily with butter, flour, and sugar. What makes shortbread crumbly? Think of it as a cross between cookie and biscuit, but with an melt-in-your-mouth quality that’s both sweet and sour. Is it hard to resist? What are the best little guys to pop in your mouth? What is a good tea to satisfy your cravings? I love making them in different shapes, too – stars, hearts, or even just simple squares. What are some of the best recipes to make your own?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Okay, where do I even begin? This recipe for bite-sized shortbread cookies is seriously the best. First off, the flavor is out of this world. You get that intense buttery richness, a delicate sweetness, and a hint of salt that just balances everything perfectly. What I love most about this is how incredibly easy they are to make. Seriously, if you can cream butter and sugar, you can make these cookies! It’s a foolproof recipe that’s perfect for beginner bakers. Plus, the ingredients are super basic – you probably already have most of them in your pantry. That means it’s also pretty cost-effective, which is always a win in my book!
I also love how versatile these cookies are. You can dress them up with a sprinkle of sanding sugar, dip them in chocolate, or even add a touch of lemon zest for a little zing. They’re fantastic with a cup of tea, coffee, or even a glass of milk. If you’re a fan of simple, delicious treats like classic sugar cookies or peanut butter blossoms, I guarantee you’ll fall in love with these bite-sized shortbread cookies. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be making them again and again.
How do I make a recipe for bite-sized shortbread cookies?
Quick Overview
What are some of the best shortbread cookies? How do I make a dough? I’ll start by creaming butter and sugar, then gradually adding in the flour until you have rolled out .. How do I make dough? What’s the best part about baking in the oven? What makes these cookies so good? Is it possible to get a delicious result? Is it a simple process that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort? How do you make a dough without overworking it?
Ingredients Notes:
For the Bite-Sized Shortbread Cookies:
- Unsalted ButterMake sure it’s softened! I always let mine sit out for at least an hour
- Granulated Sugar:Is white sugar a good substitute for regular sugar?
- All-purpose Flour Don’t pack it when measuring. A light and fluffy scoop is best.
- Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness.
- Vanilla Extract: What isIs it optional?
Variations:
- Lemon Zest: For a bright, citrusy flavor, add the zest of one lemon to the dough.
- Almond Extract: AlIs it safe to substitute almond extract for vanilla extract?
- Chocolate Chips: WhatWhat are some delicious mini chocolate chips?
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. How do you prevent cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze? I always do this first so that the oven is ready to go when the dough is prepped.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Set aside. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer. The mixture should be pale and almost doubled in volume. Don’t skip this step – it’s crucial for a tender cookie!
Step 3: Add Vanilla and Salt
What is the best way to mix the vanilla extract and the salt? If you want, you can add any other extracts or zest too! I have tried orange zest and it was amazing.
Step 4: Gradually Add Flour
Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix – you want a soft dough. If you overmix, the gluten in the flour will develop, resulting in a harder cookie. I’ve made a mistake before. Trust me, you can trust me!
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. How do I roll out dough? I sometimes chill it for an hour if I’m feeling patient. The colder the dough, the less likely it is to spread in the oven.
Step 6: Roll Out and Cut
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes. I love using mini cookie cutters for these bite-sized treats!
Step 7: Bake
Place the cookies on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Is it golden brown? Keep a close eye on them, as they can burn easily. Every oven is different, so start checking them around the 10-minute mark.
Step 8: Cool Completely
What is the best way to cool cookies on a wire rack? To cool completely. This prevents them from breaking.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
What are some of the best shortbread cookies? Can I make these with chocolate or powdered sugar? Add a glaze.
What should I serve it with?
What are some of the best shortbread cookies you’ve ever had?
For Breakfast:Serve them with a steaming cup of coffee or latte. What a great way to start the day off on savoury note.
For Brunch:Arrange them on a platter with fresh berries and sparkling cider. They add a touch of elegance to any brunch spread.
As Dessert:Pair them with vanilla ice cream or a rich chocolate mousse. What are some good ways to end a meal?
For Cozy Snacks:Enjoy them with a warm cup of tea or hot cocoa on chilly evenings. What are some of the best comfort food?
My family loves to dip their favorite cookies in Nutella or peanut butter for an extra indulgent treat. I also like to crumble them over yogurt or oatmeal for a little bit of sweetness and crunch. What are the possibilities in life? Don’t be afraid to experiment with different pairings. What is your favorite combination?
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Recipe for Bite-Sized Shortbread Cookies
Here are a few tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years to make sure your bite-sized shortbread cookies turn out perfectly every time:
Butter Temperature: Make sure your butter is softened, but not melted. It should be soft enough to easily cream with the sugar, but still hold its shape. If the butter is too melted, the cookies will spread too much in the oven.
Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tougher cookie. Mix until just combined, then stop. It’s better to have a few streaks of flour than to overmix.
Chill Time: Don’t skip the chilling step! Chilling the dough firms up the butter, which helps the cookies hold their shape in the oven. If you’re short on time, you can chill the dough in the freezer for about 15 minutes.
Rolling Technique: Roll out the dough evenly to ensure the cookies bake uniformly. If some parts are thicker than others, they’ll bake unevenly. I like to use a rolling pin with adjustable thickness rings for consistent results.
Baking Time: Keep a close eye on the cookies while they’re baking. They should be lightly golden brown around the edges, but still pale in the center. Overbaked cookies will be dry and crumbly.
Cooling Time: Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before storing them. This prevents them from becoming soggy. If you try to store them while they’re still warm, the condensation will make them soft.
Ingredient Swaps: You can easily customize these cookies by adding different extracts, zests, or spices. Almond extract, lemon zest, and cinnamon are all great options. You can also substitute a portion of the all-purpose flour with almond flour for a nuttier flavor and a more tender texture.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Proper storage is key to keeping your bite-sized shortbread cookies fresh and delicious!
Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Make sure the container is tightly sealed to prevent them from drying out.
Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, you can keep the cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. They may become a little firmer in the fridge, but they’ll still taste great.
Freezer Instructions: To freeze the cookies, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you plan to glaze the cookies, it’s best to do so right before serving. Glazed cookies don’t store as well as unglazed cookies, as the glaze can become sticky or melt.
I usually make a big batch of these cookies and freeze half of them for later. They’re perfect for last-minute guests or when I just need a little something sweet. Just pop them in the oven for a few minutes to warm them up, and they’re as good as new!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
These bite-sized shortbread cookies are a true delight! They’re simple, elegant, and bursting with buttery flavor. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just want a little something sweet to enjoy with your afternoon tea, these cookies are sure to please. The recipe is so easy to follow, even beginner bakers can achieve perfect results. And the best part? They’re incredibly versatile – you can customize them with different extracts, zests, or spices to create your own unique variations. If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other cookie recipes for more sweet inspiration! Happy baking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out!
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Recipe for Bite-Sized Shortbread Cookies
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour sifted
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened to room temperature
- 0.5 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, cream together the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the vanilla extract and salt.
- Gradually add the flour, mixing until just combined.
- Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Gently flatten each ball with the back of a fork to make a crosshatch pattern.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden.
- Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below. I love to hear from you and always appreciate your feedback!
