Are you dreaming of a cozy evening filled with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked cookies? Look no further! This recipe for the best cut-out shortbread cookies is your ticket to homemade happiness. These buttery, melt-in-your-mouth delights are incredibly easy to make, perfect for beginners, and guaranteed to impress even the most seasoned bakers. They're the ideal treat for holiday gatherings, or simply a delightful way to brighten any day. Let’s get baking!
Ingredients: You'll Need These Simple Staples
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: ¼ cup sanding sugar for extra sparkle
Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Magic in the Kitchen
1. Cream Together Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This is easily achieved with an electric mixer, but you can certainly do it by hand for a good arm workout!
2. Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; slightly crumbly is perfect.
3. Stir in Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
4. Chill the Dough: Form the dough into a disk, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step is crucial for preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
5. Roll and Cut: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes.
6. Optional Sanding Sugar: Sprinkle the cut-out cookies with sanding sugar for extra sparkle and texture.
7. Bake to Perfection: Place the cookies on an ungreased baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep a close eye on them as ovens vary!
8. Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, they are ready to be enjoyed!
Tips for the Best Cut-Out Shortbread Cookies
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened, not melted. This ensures a smooth and easy-to-mix dough.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies.
- Chill Time Matters: The chilling step is essential for preventing spreading and ensuring perfectly shaped cookies.
- Baking Time Varies: Oven temperatures vary, so keep an eye on your cookies and adjust baking time as needed.
Delicious Variations: Get Creative!
- Spice it Up: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm and comforting flavor.
- Citrus Zest: Incorporate the zest of lemon or orange for a bright and refreshing twist.
- Chocolate Chips: Fold in some semi-sweet chocolate chips for a decadent treat.
- Royal Icing: Decorate your cooled cookies with vibrant royal icing for a truly festive look.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
This will vary depending on size and added ingredients. However, a standard shortbread cookie will contain approximately:
- Calories: 80-100
- Fat: 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: 10-12g
- Sugar: 4-6g
- Protein: 1g
These delicious cut-out shortbread cookies are a simple yet impressive treat. Perfect for sharing, gifting, or simply indulging in a moment of sweet happiness. Enjoy the process and the delicious results! They are a fantastic addition to your collection of easy recipes and healthy meals. Happy baking!