Decadent Sugar Shortbread Cookies
Indulge in the rich, mouthwatering taste of these Decadent Sugar Shortbread Cookies, inspired by the original Cookies by Design recipe. These cookies are delightfully buttery with a hint of almond that perfectly complements their sweet vanilla flavor. Designed for home bakers, this recipe has been adapted to use readily available ingredients while retaining its professional touch. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, these cookies will impress with their delicate crumb and pleasing shape. Perfect for decorating, serving at parties, or enjoying with a cup of tea, they’re the real deal made easy!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
24 ounces (softened)
powdered sugar
20 ounces (sifted)
whole eggs
3 (large)
egg yolk
1 (from a large egg)
vanilla extract
0.5 ounce (pure)
almond extract
0.25 ounce (pure)
all-purpose flour
6.5 cups (sifted)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment to cream together the softened butter and the sifted powdered sugar. Start on low speed for about 30 seconds, then increase to medium and mix for a total of 3 minutes, stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
2
In a separate bowl, whisk together the whole eggs, additional egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined. Gradually add this mixture to the butter and sugar blend, mixing for an additional 30 seconds until incorporated.
3
Slowly add one-third of the flour to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed for 1 minute. Scrape the sides of the bowl before adding the next third of the flour, mixing on medium speed for 2 minutes until well blended.
4
Repeat the scraping process and then add the final third of flour. Mix for 3 minutes until the dough is smooth and fully combined.
5
Once the dough is complete, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes, or until it is firm enough to roll out. After refrigeration, roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to your desired thickness and cut into shapes.
6
Place the cut cookies onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and chill again for at least 15-20 minutes before baking to prevent spreading.
7
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the flavor profile of Decadent Sugar Shortbread Cookies?
These cookies are delightfully buttery with a sweet vanilla flavor and a subtle hint of almond.
How much butter is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 24 ounces of softened butter.
Should I use granulated sugar or powdered sugar?
You should use 20 ounces of sifted powdered sugar for this shortbread recipe.
How many eggs are needed for the dough?
You will need 3 large whole eggs plus 1 additional egg yolk from a large egg.
What extracts are used in these cookies?
The recipe uses 0.5 ounce of pure vanilla extract and 0.25 ounce of pure almond extract.
How much flour does the recipe call for?
The recipe requires 6.5 cups of sifted all-purpose flour.
What is the first step in making the cookie dough?
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sifted powdered sugar using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment.
How long should I cream the butter and sugar?
Start on low speed for 30 seconds, then increase to medium and mix for a total of 3 minutes.
How do I incorporate the eggs into the mixture?
Whisk the eggs, yolk, and extracts together in a separate bowl, then gradually add them to the butter blend and mix for 30 seconds.
What is the process for adding flour to the wet ingredients?
Add the flour in three stages, mixing for 1 minute after the first addition, 2 minutes after the second, and 3 minutes after the final addition.
Does the shortbread dough need to be refrigerated?
Yes, cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes until it is firm enough to roll out.
Should the cookies be chilled again after being cut into shapes?
Yes, place the cut cookies on a baking sheet and chill for at least 15-20 minutes before baking to prevent spreading.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long do the shortbread cookies bake?
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.
How should I cool the cookies after baking?
Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Are these cookies suitable for decorating?
Yes, they are specifically designed to hold their shape and have a delicate crumb, making them perfect for decorating.
What mixer attachment is recommended?
A paddle attachment on a stand mixer is recommended for the best results.
Why is it important to scrape down the sides of the bowl?
Scraping ensures all ingredients are evenly incorporated and well-blended throughout the mixing process.
Can I use this recipe for holiday treats?
Yes, these cookies are perfect for holidays, parties, or special occasions.
What is the texture of these cookies?
The cookies have a rich, decadent texture with a delicate crumb and a professional finish.
Do I need to sift the flour?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 6.5 cups of sifted all-purpose flour for the correct consistency.
How long do I mix the final addition of flour?
The final third of the flour should be mixed for 3 minutes until the dough is smooth and fully combined.
Is this recipe inspired by a specific brand?
Yes, these cookies are inspired by the original Cookies by Design recipe.
What should I roll the dough out on?
Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to your desired thickness.
What should I line my baking sheet with?
It is recommended to use parchment paper to line your baking sheets.
Can I serve these with beverages?
These cookies are excellent when enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee.
Is this recipe beginner-friendly?
Yes, while it provides a professional touch, it has been adapted for home bakers using readily available ingredients.
What speed should I use when adding the first third of flour?
Mix the first third of flour on low speed for 1 minute.
What speed should I use when adding the second third of flour?
Mix the second third of flour on medium speed for 2 minutes.
How many total minutes of mixing are required for the flour additions?
Adding the flour takes a total of 6 minutes of mixing across the three stages.