🎉 Classic Shortbread Cookies (Easy, No‑Fail, Ideal for Bake Sale Success) – Melt-In-Your-Mouth Buttery Crumbs
Simple butter, sugar, and flour create a crisp, melt-in-your-mouth treat perfect for bake sales or family gatherings.
These Classic Shortbread Cookies are the ultimate no-fail baking project! With just three ingredients and 20 minutes in the oven, you'll have a tray of golden, buttery cookies that stay crisp and crumbly. Ideal for beginners, bake sales, or gifting, they pair perfectly with tea or milk. The secret? Cold butter and precise flour measurement ensure perfect texture every time.
Whether you're a first-time baker or a seasoned pro, these cookies deliver bakery-quality results without special equipment. Their simplicity makes them a crowd-pleaser at fundraising events, while the rich butter flavor satisfies classic cravings. Plus, they store beautifully in airtight containers, keeping your bake sale table fresh all day.
The magic lies in the butter-to-flour ratio. Cooled, cubed butter creates flaky layers, while the sugar adds just the right amount of sweetness. No rolling or chilling required—just mix, press into a pan, cut, and bake. For a festive touch, add festive sprinkles or dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Looking to streamline your baking? These cookies require no special tools—just a mixing bowl, measuring cups, and a cookie cutter. They're also budget-friendly, using common pantry staples. With a 20-minute bake time, you'll have a fresh batch ready to enjoy or sell in no time.
From school fundraisers to holiday markets, these cookies are a reliable crowd-pleaser. Their crisp texture and buttery richness make them a timeless favorite. Ready to turn simple ingredients into a showstopping treat? Let's get baking!
Why This Recipe Works
⏰ Quick & Easy
Only 10 minutes prep + 20 minutes baking. No chilling or complicated steps.
💰 Budget-Friendly
Just three pantry staples: butter, sugar, and flour.
👥 Crowd-Pleasing
Perfect for bake sales, parties, or gifting in decorative tins.
🌟 Reliable Texture
Cold butter and precise flour measurement ensure crisp, flaky cookies every time.
Classic Shortbread Cookies
Perfect for bake sales and family gatherings
🛒 Ingredients
- - 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cubed
- - 1 cup granulated sugar
- - 2 cups all-purpose flour (plus 2 tbsp for dusting)
- - 1/4 tsp salt
👨🍳 Instructions
Beat Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, beat cold butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add flour and salt, mixing until dough forms a ball.
💡 Use a stand mixer with paddle attachment for easiest mixing.
Press Into Pan: Press dough into a greased 9x9-inch baking pan. Use a fork to prick the surface.
💡 For clean edges, line pan with parchment paper first.
Bake & Cool: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes. Cool completely before cutting into 1-inch squares.
💡 For even baking, rotate pan halfway through.
Nutrition (per serving):
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Cold Butter
Cold butter creates flaky layers. If using room temperature butter, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
Substitutions: Substitute 1/4 cup vegetable shortening for extra flakiness.
Granulated Sugar
Controls sweetness and texture. For a crisper cookie, use 3/4 cup sugar.
Substitutions: Substitute with 1/4 cup brown sugar for caramel notes.
All-Purpose Flour
Provides structure while keeping cookies tender. For gluten-free, use 1:1 GF flour blend.
Substitutions: Substitute with 1/4 cup cornstarch for a softer texture.
Salt
Enhances butter flavor and balances sweetness. Use fine sea salt for even distribution.
Substitutions: Substitute with 1/4 tsp baking powder for a slightly lighter dough.
Pro Tips for Perfect Shortbread
❄️ Butter Temperature
Use cold butter from the fridge, not frozen. Work quickly to prevent melting.
📏 Measuring Accuracy
Flour: Spoon into measuring cup and level. Overpacking leads to tough cookies.
🍴 Cutting Tips
Chill dough for 30 minutes before cutting. Use a sharp knife or pastry cutter for clean edges.
☕ Pairing Suggestions
Serve with hot tea or cold milk to enhance buttery flavor. Dust with powdered sugar for festive presentation.
Variations & Customizations
Cinnamon Sugar Twist
Add 1 tsp ground cinnamon to the dough. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar before baking.
Citrus Zest
Mix in 1 tbsp lemon or orange zest for a bright, refreshing flavor.
Chocolate Drizzle
Melt 1/2 cup chocolate chips and drizzle over cooled cookies. Add sea salt flakes for a sweet-salty contrast.
Spiced Version
Add 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice and a splash of vanilla extract for autumn flair.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
🍽️ Best Served With:
- Hot tea or coffee to complement buttery flavor
- Cold milk for classic pairing
- Vanilla ice cream for decadent shortbread sandwich
🍷 Drink Pairings:
Pair with a sweet dessert wine like Sauternes or a creamy Chardonnay. For non-alcoholic options, try spiced chai or gingerbread latte.
Make-Ahead Instructions & Storage
Make-Ahead Tips
Prepare dough up to 24 hours in advance. Chill in an airtight container before baking.
Refrigerator Storage
Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Freezer Storage
Freeze unbaked dough for up to 1 month. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5 minutes to baking time.
Reheating Instructions
Cookies stay best at room temperature. Avoid reheating to preserve crisp texture.
Troubleshooting & Common Questions
Q: Why did my cookies spread too much?
A: Overworked dough or warm butter causes spreading. Chill dough before cutting.
Q: My cookies are too soft. How to fix?
A: Underbashed or too much moisture. Bake for an additional 2-3 minutes next time.
Q: Can I add mix-ins?
A: Add 1/2 cup chopped nuts or dried fruit to the dough for extra texture.
Q: How to store for bake sales?
A: Store in airtight containers. Layer with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Final Thoughts
These Classic Shortbread Cookies are your new go-to for bake sales, holiday gifts, or family gatherings. Their simple preparation and reliable results make them a favorite for bakers of all skill levels. With a perfect balance of buttery richness and crisp texture, they'll disappear faster than you can say "Thank you!"
For best Pinterest visibility, post these cookies as part of a complete meal series: pair with our Easy Gingerbread Cookies for a seasonal twist, or serve alongside a warm spiced chai for an Instagram-worthy dessert table. Don't forget to tag #ShortbreadCookies and #BakeSale for community engagement!
