Description
These mouth shortbread cookies are buttery, tender, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Made with simple ingredients like unsalted butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla, these Scottish-inspired treats are perfect for a delightful dessert or holiday snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
- Add Vanilla: Mix in the vanilla extract thoroughly to infuse the dough with a warm vanilla flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Sift together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt to remove lumps and aerate, then gradually add these to the wet mixture while mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll tablespoon-sized portions of the dough into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet spaced about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Flatten Cookies: Gently press each dough ball with a fork or the bottom of a glass to flatten slightly, giving the cookies their classic shortbread shape and texture.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden, ensuring a perfect balance between crisp edges and soft centers.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking pan for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- For an extra melt-in-your-mouth texture, avoid overworking the dough while mixing.
- After baking, you can dust the cookies with extra powdered sugar for added sweetness and a festive look.
- Dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate for a fun and delicious variation.
