Indulge your sweet tooth with the irresistible charm of Brown Sugar Shortbread Cookies! These delightful treats are not just any cookies; they are a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth sensation that will transport you straight to cookie heaven. With just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a batch of these golden delights in no time. Whether you're hosting a cozy gathering or simply craving a sweet snack, these cookies are sure to impress. Ready to elevate your baking game? Let’s dive into this easy-to-follow recipe that promises to become a staple in your kitchen!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and packed brown sugar using an electric mixer. Beat on medium speed for 3-4 minutes until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and slightly pale in color.
- Add vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture and mix until well incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. The dough should be crumbly but hold together when pressed.
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times to bring it together into a smooth ball.
- Roll out the dough to approximately ¼-inch thickness using a rolling pin. Use additional flour to prevent sticking.
- Cut the dough into desired shapes using cookie cutters or slice into rectangular shortbread fingers.
- Place the cut cookies onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Optional: Use a fork to create decorative marks on the surface of the cookies or sprinkle with additional brown sugar before baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Tips
- Use Room Temperature Butter: Make sure your unsalted butter is softened to room temperature for the best texture. This will help create that light and fluffy consistency when creaming it with brown sugar.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: When combining the flour with the butter mixture, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so stop as soon as the dough holds together.
- Chill the Dough: For even better results, consider chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before rolling it out. This will help the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
- Experiment with Shapes: Get creative with your cookie cutters! Whether you prefer classic rounds, festive shapes, or even shortbread fingers, the choice is yours.
- Keep an Eye on Baking Time: Ovens can vary, so start checking your cookies a minute or two before the suggested baking time. You want them to be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center.
- Store Properly: To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last up to a week, but we doubt they’ll last that long!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 98kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 12mg