Are you craving a melt-in-your-mouth treat that's surprisingly simple to make? Then look no further! This vanilla shortbread biscuit recipe is the perfect answer for those busy weeknights or spontaneous dessert cravings. It's a classic for a reason – the buttery, crumbly texture combined with the subtle sweetness of vanilla is simply irresistible. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this recipe promises delicious results with minimal effort. Get ready to impress yourself (and everyone else!) with these easy, homemade biscuits.
Ingredients: You'll only need a few simple ingredients!
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened (very important for the right texture!)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- Pinch of salt
Instructions: Let's bake some deliciousness!
Get started: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!
Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. An electric mixer makes this step super easy, but you can certainly do it by hand – just be prepared for a bit of a workout!
Add flavor: Beat in the vanilla extract. A good quality vanilla extract will make a noticeable difference in the final flavor.
Incorporate the dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; slightly undermixing is better than overmixing for a tender crumb.
Shape the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat it into a ½-inch thick rectangle or circle. You can use a rolling pin if you prefer, but patting it works well too.
Cut and bake: Use a cookie cutter or a sharp knife to cut the dough into your desired shapes. Arrange the biscuits on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
Bake to perfection: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them as ovens vary!
Cool and enjoy: Let the shortbread biscuits cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy them plain, or dust with powdered sugar for an extra touch of elegance.
Tips for the Best Vanilla Shortbread Biscuits:
- Softened butter is key: Make sure your butter is truly softened, not melted. This ensures a smooth, creamy dough.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough biscuits. Mix until just combined.
- Chill the dough (optional): For an even more crumbly texture, chill the dough for 30 minutes before cutting and baking.
- Experiment with shapes: Use different cookie cutters or a knife to create fun shapes and sizes.
Variations: Let your creativity flow!
- Chocolate Shortbread: Add ½ cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a rich chocolate twist.
- Lemon Shortbread: Replace the vanilla extract with 1 tablespoon of lemon zest for a zesty flavor.
- Cinnamon Shortbread: Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced treat.
Nutritional Information (per biscuit, approximate):
This will vary depending on the size and shape of your biscuits. This is an estimation for a medium-sized biscuit:
- Calories: Approximately 100-120
- Fat: 6-8g
- Carbohydrates: 10-12g
- Sugar: 3-4g
- Protein: 1-2g
These delicious vanilla shortbread biscuits are a perfect addition to any occasion. They're easy to make, taste amazing, and are sure to be a hit with everyone. Enjoy baking, and happy eating!