If you like butter cookies, you’re in for a real treat. This is the basic recipe that makes most of these delightful cookies. The Europeans have less sugar whereas Americans tend load up in excess. Others will have more or less flour depending on the desired crumb structure.

This particular recipe focuses on creating a nice cookie that snaps and melts in your mouth. Flavoring is essential so that fat and sugar can be reduced to healthier levels without sacrificing taste. I call these vividly vanilla shortbread cookies because I use a high quality vanilla extract.

I decided to modify the original shortbread recipe to make a stable base for upcoming desserts. Pleasantly, these tasted wonderful on their own. If you are looking for a more traditional shortbread, check out my lemon shortbread tutorial.

As I’ve stated numerous times, if you want to get serious about baking, now is the time to pick up a set of digital scales. The price doesn’t matter, start out with the cheapest set with the best reviews. The important thing is learning how weighted measurements is key to fabulous baking.

Whether or not you are an expert or beginner, this is an essential recipe to know. If you need more help, then watch this video to learn how to make vividly vanilla shortbread. The options are limitless once you learn the basics. So go out immediately and pick out some digital scales and start learning how to make delicious shortbread cookies.

Vanilla Shortbread

The simplest of cookies yet one of the most popular as its delicious and melts in your mouth. Easy to make, tastes better with age and stores for weeks.

Print Recipe

Prep Time10 minutes minutes

Cook Time30 minutes minutes

Chill Time20 minutes minutes

Total Time1 hour hour

Servings2 dozen

Calories 149.3

Ingredients

• ⅔ cup (4oz) sugar
• 1 cup (8oz) butter
• 3 ¾ cups (16oz) flour
• 2 tsp (10mL) vanilla
• ½ tsp (2.5g) salt

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 300F (150C.)
• Line a 9×13 (23x33cm) pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
• In large bowl, beat softened butter, vanilla and sugar until creamy.  Beat in flour until just blended. Press into the pan as evenly as possible. Cover and chill 1/2 hour or until firm to the touch.
• Bake 30 – 35 minutes until just the edges are turning golden brown. Cut while still warm.

Nutrition Facts

Vanilla Shortbread

Serving Size

 

1 cookie

Amount per Serving

Calories

149.3

% Daily Value*

Fat

 

7.3

g

11

%

Saturated Fat

 

4.7

g

29

%

Carbohydrates

 

19.1

g

6

%

Protein

 

1.9

g

4

%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

* Calories provided as a courtesy and not guaranteed.