Save Tender, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread cookies with a sweet touch of honey and rich buttery flavor perfect for teatime or as a delightful homemade gift.
I've made these cookies for multiple family gatherings and each time they disappear quickly. They are always a favorite among friends and relatives.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour: Dry ingredient
- 1/2 tsp fine sea salt: Dry ingredient
- 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened: Wet ingredient
- 1/2 cup (60 g) powdered sugar: Wet ingredient
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) honey: Wet ingredient
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract: Wet ingredient
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Step 2:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and salt set aside.
- Step 3:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, powdered sugar, honey, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Step 4:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Step 5:
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead it together, then roll it out to about 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) thickness.
- Step 6:
- Cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters and place cookies 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Step 7:
- Optional Chill the cut cookies on the baking sheet for 10 minutes to help retain their shape during baking.
- Step 8:
- Bake for 13–15 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden.
- Step 9:
- Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Save Sharing these cookies brings joy to my family especially during holidays when everyone comes together to enjoy teatime treats.
Notes
For a crisper cookie bake 1–2 minutes longer. Drizzle with extra honey or dip in melted chocolate for variation. Substitute half of the flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls Electric mixer or stand mixer Rolling pin Cookie cutters Baking sheets Parchment paper Wire rack
Nutritional Information
Calories 120 Total Fat 7 g Carbohydrates 14 g Protein 1 g per cookie
Save These honey butter shortbread cookies are simple to prepare and perfect for any occasion.
Recipe FAQs
- → What gives these shortbreads their tender texture?
The combination of softened butter and honey creates a moist, tender crumb that melts in your mouth.
- → Can the flour be substituted for a different kind?
Yes, substituting half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat adds a nuttier flavor and slightly denser texture.
- → How do I achieve crisp edges on the shortbread?
Baking a minute or two longer and chilling the dough before baking helps maintain shape and add crispness.
- → Is it necessary to chill the dough before baking?
Chilling the shaped dough on the baking sheet for 10 minutes helps prevent spreading and keeps the cookies firm during baking.
- → What are some serving suggestions for these treats?
They pair wonderfully with tea and can be enhanced by drizzling extra honey or dipping in melted chocolate.