Easy Shortbread Cookies

My Go-To Easy Shortbread Cookies

As a busy mom, finding time to bake can feel like a luxury. But sometimes, the simplest things bring the most joy. These shortbread cookies are my go-to recipe when I need a quick and satisfying treat, whether it's for a family gathering, a quiet evening at home, or a little pick-me-up after a long day. The recipe itself is incredibly straightforward, requiring minimal ingredients and even less time. The result? Melt-in-your-mouth shortbread cookies that are impossibly delicious.

The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability. It’s a perfect base for experimentation. I've added different extracts over the years – vanilla, almond, even a touch of peppermint during the holidays – to change things up. The possibilities are endless! Sometimes I’ll add a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking for an extra touch of sophistication. One year, my adventurous daughter suggested adding some finely chopped chocolate chips - a surprisingly delightful variation! The basic recipe remains the same, but the additions and variations add depth and excitement to these simple cookies.

What I love most about this recipe is its ability to bring people together. The aroma of baking cookies fills the house with warmth, a cozy invitation to gather around the kitchen table. The process itself is therapeutic; the simple act of mixing, shaping, and baking creates a calming rhythm, a moment of mindfulness in the midst of a busy day. My children love to help me roll the dough and press the cookies with the fork, creating little masterpieces in the process. The shared moments of baking and the subsequent enjoyment of these delicious cookies create memories, memories I cherish more than any elaborate dessert.

This recipe isn't just about baking; it's about connection. It's a way to express love and care through simple acts of kindness, and it's a way to nurture the bonds between family members. These cookies aren't just cookies; they're little pieces of happiness, a reminder that the simplest things in life often bring the greatest joy. It’s this kind of simple joy that I truly value, the joy of creating something sweet and simple and sharing it with those I love most.

I hope you find the same joy in baking and sharing these Easy Shortbread Cookies as I have over the years. It's a recipe that’s as easy as it is delicious, a recipe that will undoubtedly become a cherished part of your own baking repertoire.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 1/2 cups butter
• 1 cup cornstarch

Step-by-step

• Set butter out to warm to room temperature for easier mixing.
• Preheat your oven to 300(F) degrees.
• Combine powdered ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Add in the butter and mix until a soft dough is formed. You can mix by hand or with a mixer. If you mix by hand it will stick to your hands at first but then eventually it will all be cleaned off.
• Roll dough into small 1/2" - 3/4" balls and place on a cookie sheet about 1" apart.
• Using a fork, gently press down the cookies twice to form a criss-cross pattern. Do not over flatten, they should be about 1/2" thick or so.
• Place cookies in preheated oven and cook for 18-22 minutes or until edges look a golden brown color.