Save to Pinterest 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 have always loved making these honey butter shortbread cookies for family gatherings because they disappear quickly.
Ingredients
- Dry Ingredients: 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour, 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
- Wet Ingredients: 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter softened, 1/2 cup (60 g) powdered sugar, 1/4 cup (60 ml) honey, 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix dry:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and salt set aside.
- Cream wet:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, powdered sugar, honey, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Combine:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Roll out:
- 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.
- Cut shapes:
- Cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters and place cookies 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Chill (optional):
- Chill the cut cookies on the baking sheet for 10 minutes to help retain their shape during baking.
- Bake:
- Bake for 13–15 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden.
- Cool:
- Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Save to Pinterest My family loves gathering around to enjoy these cookies fresh from the oven.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls electric mixer or stand mixer rolling pin cookie cutters baking sheets parchment paper wire rack
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), dairy (butter) Check vanilla extract and powdered sugar for potential allergens
Nutritional Information
Calories 120 Total Fat 7 g Carbohydrates 14 g Protein 1 g per cookie
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These honey butter shortbread cookies are perfect for any occasion and always impress guests with their rich flavor.
Recipe FAQs
- → What gives these shortbreads their sweetness?
Honey adds a natural, gentle sweetness that complements the butter's richness.
- → How can I make the shortbread crisper?
Baking the cookies 1–2 minutes longer helps achieve a crisper texture.
- → Can I customize the flavor profile?
Yes, drizzle extra honey or dip cookies in melted chocolate to add variety.
- → Is there a way to add nuttiness to the dough?
Substitute half the flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste.
- → How should the dough be handled before baking?
Gently knead and roll it to about half an inch thick, then chill for 10 minutes to help maintain shape.