Whether you’re looking for a delightful treat to enjoy with your afternoon tea or a homemade gift for a friend, these Simple Vanilla Shortbread Cookies are the perfect choice. Made with just a handful of ingredients, these buttery and crumbly cookies will be a hit with everyone. Let’s dive into the recipe to create these delicious treats.
**Simple Vanilla Shortbread Cookies**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes using a handheld mixer or stand mixer.
3. Add the vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix until well combined. The vanilla will infuse the cookies with a delicious aroma and flavor.
4. Gradually add the flour and salt to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until a dough forms. Be careful not to overmix; stop once the dough starts to come together.
5. Transfer the dough onto a clean surface and gently knead it a few times to ensure all the ingredients are fully incorporated. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
6. Using a rolling pin, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. You can dust the rolling surface with a bit of flour to prevent sticking.
7. Using cookie cutters of your choice, cut out shapes from the dough and carefully transfer them to the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.
8. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden brown. Keep a close eye on them, as shortbread cookies can quickly go from golden to burnt.
9. Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. These cookies also freeze well, so you can make a batch ahead of time and enjoy them whenever you crave a sweet treat.
Enjoy these Simple Vanilla Shortbread Cookies with a cup of hot tea or pack them in a decorative tin to give as a heartfelt gift. The buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture of these cookies will surely make them a favorite in your baking repertoire. Treat yourself and your loved ones to a taste of homemade goodness with this easy and delightful recipe.
