About this Recipe
This classic shortbread recipe is a buttery ode to simplicity. With just three ingredients—butter, sugar, and flour—Dr. Jenn Seasly shows how a humble dough can turn into the perfect companion to tea, coffee, or a cozy evening. Whether you serve it plain, jazz it up with citrus zest or chocolate, or wrap it as a heartfelt gift, this cookie is a timeless treat.
🎧 Hear the story behind this recipe:
Ingredients
-
1 cup (8 oz) Irish butter, softened (do not use margarine)
-
½ cup granulated sugar
-
2 cups all-purpose flour
Optional Add-ins:
-
1 tsp vanilla, almond, lemon, or orange extract
-
Zest of 1 lemon or orange
-
¼ cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
-
Cream the butter and sugar in a stand mixer or with a hand mixer until it forms a sandy texture.
-
Gradually add flour while mixing. You may want to cover the bowl with a tea towel to avoid a flour cloud.
-
Mix just until the dough comes together. Don’t overmix.
-
Optional: Add in flavorings or mini chocolate chips.
-
Press the dough into a 13x9” glass casserole dish. No need to grease it—the butter does the work!
-
Use clean hands to flatten and spread the dough evenly across the dish.
-
Bake for 35–40 minutes, turning the pan 180° halfway through to ensure even baking.
-
Once removed from the oven, pierce the surface with a fork in a checkerboard pattern to help cut later.
-
Let cool at least 20 minutes before cutting into bars or squares.
Recipe Notes
For best texture, use softened (not melted) butter. Want to gussy it up? Dip the cooled shortbread pieces in melted chocolate or serve with a side of fruit jam. They also freeze beautifully!