Description
These 4 Ingredient Shortbread Cookies are a simple and delicious buttery treat made with just a few pantry staples. Perfectly tender and melt-in-your-mouth, they offer rich flavor and a classic crumbly texture. Ideal for beginners and customizable with various add-ins or toppings, these cookies are a versatile snack for any time of day.
Ingredients
Scale
Basic Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (plant-based), softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup natural sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (natural)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by softening the unsalted butter (plant-based) to room temperature so it blends smoothly with sugar. Measure out all ingredients accurately to keep the texture perfect.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter (plant-based) and natural sugar together until light and fluffy. This incorporates air and creates a tender crumb in your cookies.
- Add Vanilla Extract (natural): Mix in the pure vanilla extract (natural) thoroughly for subtle aromatic flavor that enhances the cookie’s sweetness.
- Incorporate Flour: Slowly add the all-purpose flour into the butter mixture, folding gently until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender and crumbly.
- Shape and Chill: Roll the dough into a log or flatten it slightly, then chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to make slicing easier and improve texture.
- Cut and Bake: Slice the chilled dough into even pieces, place on a baking tray lined with parchment, and bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 18-20 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges.
- Cool and Enjoy: Allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack so they firm up perfectly, then enjoy your melt-in-the-mouth treat.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter (plant-based) to create a smooth dough that comes together easily.
- Do not overmix the dough; gently fold in flour to avoid tough cookies and maintain perfect crumb.
- Chill the dough to help cookies bake evenly and prevent spreading.
- Cut even slices with a sharp knife for consistent baking.
- Allow cookies to cool completely to develop delightful texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18-20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: shortbread cookies, 4 ingredient cookies, buttery cookies, easy baking, plant-based cookies, melt in your mouth, simple cookies
