Recipe Details - OnlineCook

April 29, 2025

Picture classic tender, buttery shortbread cookies, made easy. This recipe has four simple ingredients and does not need to be rolled out, just baked and cut into pieces. We went for a low and slow baking process to bring out the full flavor of the cookies. The recipe is a Yummly original created by Saura Kline.

4 Ingredients

From the Cook

1/2

Best Ever 4-Ingredient Shortbread

OnlineCook

Ingredients

Servings

Warning0 allergens identified

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 300°F.

Line the bottom and sides of a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Set aside.

Place the butter and powdered sugar in a stand mixer bowl or large mixing bowl. Beat on low speed to blend, then switch to medium speed and beat until soft and light. Beat in the vanilla. Add the flour one cup at a time, mixing until fully combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Press the dough into the prepared baking dish using a flat hand and fingers until dough is a smooth, even layer about 1/2-inch thick. With a fork, dock the dough across the short side of the dish in lines about 1 inch apart. Freeze for 5 minutes.

Bake the shortbread on middle rack of oven until golden, 35-45 minutes.

Check to see that shortbread is done. Remove from oven or add time as needed.

Cool shortbread on a cooling rack for 5 minutes.

Starting from a long side, cut the shortbread in the dish into 1-inch strips. Working from a short side, cut the strips into quarters to create rectangular cookies. Let cool completely in the dish, about 2 hours.

Gently remove cookies from dish using a small offset spatula. Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 week, or freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Video Tutorial Bite Tutorial

Smart Nutrition

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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Tips & Tricks (5)

Butter Temperature Matters 🧈
Use room temperature butter that's softened but not melted to ensure the perfect shortbread texture and easy mixing.
Powdered Sugar Sifting Technique 🌪️
Always sift the powdered sugar before mixing to prevent lumps and create a smoother, more consistent dough.
Cutting Technique for Perfect Pieces 🔪
Use a sharp, straight-edged knife and cut the shortbread while it's still warm for clean, precise edges that won't crumble.
Low and Slow Baking Magic 🌡️
Bake at a lower temperature (around 325°F) to prevent browning and ensure a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Cooling and Storing Secrets 🍪
Allow the shortbread to cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring, and store in an airtight container to maintain its crisp texture.