Save Pin Tender, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread cookies with a sweet touch of honey and rich buttery flavor perfect for teatime or as a delightful homemade gift.
I first baked these cookies for a family gathering and everyone loved how soft and flavorful they were.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups (240 g)
- Fine sea salt: 1/2 tsp
- Unsalted butter: 1 cup (225 g), softened
- Powdered sugar: 1/2 cup (60 g)
- Honey: 1/4 cup (60 ml)
- Pure vanilla extract: 1 tsp
Instructions
- Preheat oven:
- Preheat the oven to 325℉ (160℃). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and salt set aside.
- Beat wet ingredients:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter powdered sugar honey and vanilla extract until light and fluffy (about 2 3 minutes).
- Combine mixtures:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture mixing on low speed until just combined Do not overmix.
- Roll dough:
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface Gently knead it together then roll it out to about 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) thickness.
- Cut shapes:
- Cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters and place cookies 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Chill dough:
- Optional Chill the cut cookies on the baking sheet for 10 minutes to help retain their shape during baking.
- Bake cookies:
- Bake for 13 15 minutes or until the edges are just starting to turn golden.
- Cool cookies:
- Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Save Pin These cookies always bring my family together for a sweet moment on weekend afternoons.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls Electric mixer or stand mixer Rolling pin Cookie cutters Baking sheets Parchment paper Wire rack
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten) dairy (butter) Check vanilla extract and powdered sugar for potential allergens
Nutritional Information
Calories 120 Total Fat 7 g Carbohydrates 14 g Protein 1 g per cookie
Save Pin 
Enjoy your baking experience and savor each bite of these delightful cookies.
Recipe FAQs
- → What makes the shortbread tender?
The use of softened unsalted butter and careful mixing creates a delicate, crumbly texture that melts in your mouth.
- → Can I substitute whole wheat flour?
Yes, replacing half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat adds a nuttier flavor and slightly denser crumb.
- → Why is chilling the dough recommended?
Chilling firms up the dough, helping the cookies maintain their shape during baking and preventing excessive spreading.
- → How can I enhance the flavor variation?
Try drizzling extra honey or dipping cookies in melted chocolate to complement the buttery sweetness.
- → What is the ideal baking time?
Baking for 13–15 minutes until the edges just turn golden ensures a tender yet crisp bite without dryness.