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Instructions:
1. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
Start by bringing your butter to room temperature. Softened butter is key to creating that smooth, creamy base for your dough. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed. Continue mixing for about 3-4 minutes, until the mixture is light and fluffy. The more you beat it, the better the texture of your shortbread dough will be, so don’t rush this step.
2. Add Vanilla (Optional):
For an extra layer of flavor, add the vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. While this is optional, it helps elevate the taste of your shortbread, giving it a warm, aromatic note.
3. Mix in Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and cornstarch. The cornstarch is the secret to that ultra-tender texture that shortbread cookies are known for. It helps prevent the dough from becoming too dense, ensuring a melt-in-your-mouth finish.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined. The dough may appear crumbly at first, but that’s perfectly normal. Keep mixing until the dough comes together into a soft ball.
4. Chill the Dough:
Once your dough has formed, turn it out onto a sheet of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Shape the dough into a disk and wrap it tightly. Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes in the fridge will make it easier to roll out and cut into shapes. It also helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking, keeping their shape intact.
5. Roll and Shape the Dough:
After chilling, remove the dough from the fridge and let it sit for a few minutes to soften slightly. Roll it out on a lightly floured surface to your desired thickness—about 1/4-inch thick is perfect for shortbread cookies.
You can use a cookie cutter to create traditional shapes like circles, squares, or even festive designs for holidays. If you prefer a rustic look, simply cut the dough into rectangles or strips. You can also use a fork to gently press into the dough’s surface for that classic shortbread texture.
6. Bake the Cookies:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Place your cut-out shortbread cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake the cookies; they should remain pale with a slight golden hue around the edges.
Once baked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will help them firm up without breaking apart.
7. Optional Additions:
If you like your shortbread with a little extra flair, here are a few options to customize the dough:
- Dipped in chocolate: Once the cookies have cooled, dip one end into melted chocolate and let it set.
- Add zest: For a citrusy twist, add lemon or orange zest to the dough for a burst of fresh flavor.
- Sprinkle with sea salt: A pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each cookie before baking adds a sophisticated touch and balances the sweetness of the dough.
Tips for Perfect Shortbread Dough:
- Use cold butter: Although you’re softening the butter, make sure it’s not too warm. It should be soft to the touch but still firm when pressed. Too warm and the dough may become greasy.
- Don’t overwork the dough: When mixing the flour and butter, be careful not to overwork it. Overmixing can cause the dough to become tough.
- Chill before baking: Chilling the dough is crucial for creating the perfect texture and preventing the cookies from spreading too much.
- Baking time: Shortbread cookies bake quickly, so keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overbake. They should be lightly golden but not brown.
Why This Shortbread Dough is Perfect:
The secret to perfect shortbread dough lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients—butter, sugar, flour, and a touch of cornstarch—this dough creates a cookie that’s buttery, crumbly, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. The result is a rich, delicate cookie with a subtle sweetness that pairs perfectly with tea or coffee.
Whether you’re making them for a holiday celebration, a special gift, or a simple treat to enjoy at home, perfect shortbread dough is the foundation for cookies that will never disappoint.
Enjoy baking, and don’t forget to savor the results—you’ve earned it!
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