Heavenly Delicate Shortbread Cookies
These Heavenly Delicate Shortbread Cookies are a must-bake for anyone who enjoys a melt-in-your-mouth treat. Rich and buttery, yet surprisingly light, these cookies come together with a delightful combination of cornstarch and icing sugar to create an unforgettable flavor and texture. Perfectly suited for afternoon tea or as a sweet snack with coffee or hot cocoa, you'll find them irresistibly addictive. Once you take a bite, it’s hard to stop at just one! This cherished family recipe, passed down through generations, ensures that each batch is packed with love and nostalgia. Whether you choose to keep them simple or embellish them with toppings, they are sure to impress your guests, and you might find yourself enjoying a dozen in one sitting!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
cornstarch
1/2 cup (sifted)
icing sugar
1/2 cup (sifted)
all-purpose flour
1 cup (sifted)
unsalted butter
3/4 cup (softened (1 1/2 sticks))
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the cornstarch, icing sugar, and all-purpose flour until well combined.
3
Add the softened unsalted butter to the dry mixture. Use a wooden spoon or your hands to blend them together until a soft and smooth dough forms.
4
If the dough feels too soft to handle, cover it with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 30 to 60 minutes, or until firm enough to shape.
5
Shape the dough into small balls, approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. Place them 1 1/2 inches (4 cm) apart on an ungreased cookie sheet.
6
Using a lightly floured fork, gently flatten each ball to create a small disc.
7
For a more creative touch, roll out the dough to 1/4 inch (6 mm) thick and cut into your desired shapes using cookie cutters.
8
Optionally, decorate the cookies with candied cherries, colored sprinkles, or chopped nuts before baking.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned.
10
Once done, remove from the oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Heavenly Delicate Shortbread Cookies?
They are rich, buttery, and light treats made with a combination of cornstarch and icing sugar that creates a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
What temperature should I preheat my oven to?
You should preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
What are the four main ingredients needed?
The four main ingredients are cornstarch, icing sugar, all-purpose flour, and unsalted butter.
How much cornstarch is required for this recipe?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of sifted cornstarch.
What type of sugar is used in these cookies?
This recipe uses 1/2 cup of sifted icing sugar.
How much flour do I need?
You need 1 cup of sifted all-purpose flour.
Should the butter be salted or unsalted?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) of softened unsalted butter.
Do I need to sift the dry ingredients?
Yes, you should sift together the cornstarch, icing sugar, and all-purpose flour in a large mixing bowl.
What should I use to mix the dough?
You can use a wooden spoon or your hands to blend the butter and dry ingredients together.
What should the dough feel like once mixed?
The mixture should form a soft and smooth dough.
What if the dough is too soft to handle?
If the dough is too soft, cover it with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for 30 to 60 minutes.
What size should I make the dough balls?
Shape the dough into small balls approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter.
How far apart should the cookies be placed on the sheet?
Place the dough balls 1 1/2 inches (4 cm) apart on the cookie sheet.
Do I need to grease the cookie sheet?
No, the recipe specifies using an ungreased cookie sheet.
How do I flatten the cookies?
Gently flatten each ball with a lightly floured fork to create a small disc.
Can I use cookie cutters for this recipe?
Yes, you can roll the dough to 1/4 inch (6 mm) thick and use cookie cutters for various shapes.
What decorations can be added before baking?
You can optionally decorate the cookies with candied cherries, colored sprinkles, or chopped nuts.
How long do the cookies bake for?
Bake the cookies for 15 to 20 minutes.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
The cookies are ready when the edges are lightly browned.
Where should I cool the cookies after baking?
Remove them from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Is this a family recipe?
Yes, it is a cherished family recipe passed down through generations.
What beverages pair well with these cookies?
They are perfect for afternoon tea, coffee, or hot cocoa.
Are these cookies suitable for holidays?
Yes, they are tagged as holiday treats and are great for impressing guests.
Why is cornstarch used in shortbread?
Cornstarch helps create the uniquely delicate and melt-in-your-mouth texture of these cookies.
What makes the recipe easy?
It only requires four common ingredients and simple sifting and mixing steps.
Can I use cold butter?
The recipe recommends using softened butter to ensure it blends easily with the dry ingredients.
How should I prepare the flour?
The all-purpose flour should be sifted before being combined with the other ingredients.
Is there any salt added to this recipe?
No, the recipe relies on unsalted butter and does not list additional salt.
How many cookies can you eat in one sitting?
The description suggests they are so addictive you might find yourself enjoying a dozen in one sitting.
What is the overall flavor profile?
The flavor is described as rich, buttery, and unforgettable.