Description
These 4 Ingredient Shortbread Cookies are a simple, buttery treat made with just four pantry staples. Perfectly crumbly and tender, they offer a melt-in-your-mouth texture and can be customized with various flavor add-ins. Easy to prepare and quick to bake, these cookies are ideal for any skill level and a delightful sweet snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (plant-based), softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (natural)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional Variations
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (natural)
- 1 teaspoon lemon or orange zest
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped rosemary or lavender
- 1/2 cup chopped almonds or pistachios
- 1/2 cup melted dark chocolate (plant-based) for dipping
Instructions
- Soften the Butter: Start by letting your unsalted butter (plant-based) come to room temperature. This allows it to blend easily with the powdered sugar, creating a smooth, creamy base for your cookie dough.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Use a mixer to beat the softened unsalted butter (plant-based) and powdered sugar (natural) together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step helps incorporate air for a tender crumb.
- Add Flour and Salt: Slowly add the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep the dough soft and crumbly, preventing toughness.
- Shape and Chill: Gather the dough and form it into a disk or roll it into a log. Wrap it with cling film and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to solidify the butter again and make slicing easier.
- Slice and Bake: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Slice the dough into 1/4 to 1/2-inch thick rounds and place them on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Cool completely on a rack before serving.
Notes
- Do not overwork the dough after adding the flour to maintain a tender texture.
- Chill the dough well before baking to help the cookies keep their shape and prevent spreading.
- Use unsalted butter (plant-based) to control the salt level for balanced flavor.
- Line your baking pan with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy release and even baking.
- Allow cookies to cool fully on a wire rack to set properly without sogginess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: shortbread cookies, buttery cookies, 4 ingredient cookies, easy baking, plant-based cookies, crumbly cookies, quick dessert
