The Story & Intro
Growing up on the sun-kissed island of Crete, I watched my grandmother turn the simplest ingredients into pure comfort. Even though shortbread isn’t a Greek dessert, I still remember the first time I tasted a classic buttery shortbread cookie in a tiny bakery tucked between old stone streets. It reminded me so much of my grandmother’s style of cooking simple, honest, and full of warmth that I knew I had to make it part of my own kitchen traditions.
Now, every time I bake classic buttery shortbread, I’m taken back to those childhood moments when food felt like magic. I love how this recipe captures the essence of homemade simplicity: just butter, sugar, and flour coming together to create something tender and crumbly. And trust me, even if your kitchen gets messy mine always does it’s worth every second.
I’ve made this classic buttery shortbread recipe more times than I can count, especially on days when I want my home to smell cozy and inviting. There’s something so calming about pressing the dough into the pan, scoring it, and watching it transform into golden perfection.
If you’re craving a treat that feels like a warm hug, this classic buttery shortbread is for you. Whether you’re a beginner or a confident baker, consider this your ticket to the most buttery, melt-in-your-mouth batch you’ve ever made. And don’t worry I’ll guide you step-by-step so it turns out perfectly every time.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
(Optional)
- 1 tablespoon coarse sugar for topping
- Melted chocolate for drizzling
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Butter Mixture
Start by creaming together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar. The mix should look pale, creamy, and fluffy. This step builds the signature smooth texture that makes classic buttery shortbread irresistible.
2. Add Vanilla and Salt
Mix in the vanilla extract and salt. These tiny additions deepen the flavor and balance the richness of the butter.
3. Add the Flour
Gently mix in the flour in two batches. Don’t overwork the dough shortbread loves being handled delicately! The dough should come together like soft clay.
4. Shape the Dough
Press the dough evenly into an 8×8-inch pan or form it into a circle on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to smooth the top.
5. Score the Dough
Using a knife, gently score the dough into squares or triangles. This ensures clean cuts after baking.
6. Pierce with a Fork
Lightly prick the surface with a fork. This helps prevent bubbling and gives the shortbread its classic look.
7. Optional Step
Sprinkle coarse sugar on top for a lovely crunch and shine.
8. Bake
Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 30–35 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges.
9. Cool and Slice
Allow the shortbread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before slicing along the scored lines. Let it cool completely before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Classic buttery shortbread is a versatile treat that pairs beautifully with warm drinks. Serve it with tea, coffee, or even a small scoop of vanilla ice cream. For dessert platters, drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies or dip half of each biscuit for a fancier presentation. If you’re gifting them, layer the cookies in a tin lined with parchment simple, elegant, and delicious.
Recipe Card
(Perfect for quick reading 📌)
⏱️ Time
- Prep: 10 min
- Cook: 30–35 min
- Total: ~45 min
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 cup butter
- ½ cup sugar
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 2 ¼ cups flour
- ½ tsp vanilla
- ¼ tsp salt
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Cream butter + sugars
2️⃣ Add vanilla + salt
3️⃣ Mix in flour
4️⃣ Press into pan
5️⃣ Score & prick
6️⃣ Bake at 325°F for 30–35 min
📝 Notes
- Overmixing can make the shortbread tough
- For extra flavor, add lemon zest
- Use room-temperature butter for ideal texture
🍪 Nutrition (per serving)
Approx. 150 calories
8g fat • 18g carbs • 1g protein
Conclusion
Classic buttery shortbread has a special way of bringing softness and warmth into any kitchen just like the memories I cherish from Crete. With only a handful of ingredients and simple steps, this recipe proves that the best flavors often come from the simplest moments. Whether you’re baking for yourself, your family, or a get-together with friends, these melt-in-your-mouth cookies are guaranteed to make everyone smile.
Happy baking, from my heart and home to yours. 💛
