shortbread cookies Archives - Family Cookie Recipes

PEPPERMINT VANILLA SHORTBREAD COOKIES

Jessica — Thu, 17 Nov 2022 14:15:00 +0000

Peppermint Vanilla Shortbread Cookies are tender, buttery whipped shortbread with a lovely peppermint vanilla glaze! Delicious Christmas shortbread cookies for holiday trays!

Make these easy shortbread cookies for your next holiday cookie exchange, they have heavenly flavor in every bite. This shortbread cookie recipe is so easy to follow, it calls for simple ingredients and comes together fast to create a wonderful festive holiday treat.

Tips for making amazing shortbread cookies every time

Shortbread cookies are very tender and crumbly, so they are a bit different than your traditional cookie dough. Here are some tips to making them perfectly:

Shortbread cookie dough is a bit sticky, so I like to spray both my hands and the cookie scoop with non-stick spray prior to scooping and rolling. Resist the urge to add more flour to the dough! If you add too much flour, the ratio of wet to dry ingredients is off and the cookies end up dry and crumbly.
Do not melt the butter. The butter needs to be softened (at room temperature), by using melted butter you run a high risk of ruining the cookie results.
Spend a little extra time when you mix the butter and sugars. Creaming them together for 2-3 minutes will improve the consistency of your cookies and the final product will have amazing texture.

Preheat the oven and wait for it to get to the full temperature. This will help your cookies turn out right every time, patience is key with cookie recipes.
Use a cookie scoop! If you want all your cookies to be perfectly shaped and have them all be the same size, a cookie scoop is the way to go. This is a great baking tool that is inexpensive but makes a huge difference.
Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Doing this will make it really easy to remove the cookies from your cookie sheet so that you don’t have to scrape them off the pan, they will just slide right off and in perfect shape!
Make sure not to overbake your cookies. This may seem like an easy concept, but a lot of time people think their cookies need just “one or two more minutes”. What some people forget is the cookies continue to bake on the sheet after they are removed from the oven.

Ingredients needed to make Whipped Shortbread Cookies

Butter: You will need 1 cup of softened (at room temperature) butter to make these cookies rich and flavorful.

Powder sugar: Adding in ½ cup of powdered sugar, sifted, makes these treats sweet and soft.

Flour: Use 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour for the base and structure of this cookie recipe.

Cornstarch: Add in ½ cup of cornstarch to help the cookies rise as they bake.

Vanilla extract: Using 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract gives these treats great taste and helps enhance the other great flavors in this cookie.

Almond extract: For more wonderful flavor, add in 1 teaspoon of almond extract to this cookie dough.

Salt: To balance the sweetness in this cookie dough, add in ¼ teaspoon of salt.

Peppermint Vanilla Icing

Butter: Adding in 3 tablespoons of butter, melted, will create an amazing cookie topping.

Powdered sugar: You need 2 cups of powder sugar for the base of this icing.

Vanilla extract: For great flavoring, use ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract.

Peppermint extract: Add in 1/4 teaspoon of peppermint extract for the amazing holiday flavor we all know and love.

Milk: To make the icing the perfect consistency, you will need 2-3 tablespoons of milk.

Peppermint candy: For the delightful cookie topping, use some crushed peppermint candy pieces.

How to make Whipped Peppermint Vanilla Shortbread Cookies

Prep

Begin by preheating the oven to 300°F. Then line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silicon mat and set it aside.

Cookie dough

Using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until it is a light and fluffy mixture, this should take about 3-5 minutes.

Next, gradually add the flour and cornstarch, beating until all is well blended.

After that, add in the vanilla extract, almond extract and the salt. Proceed to whip the cookie batter on medium high speed for 5 minutes.

Peppermint Vanilla Shortbread Cookies are tender, buttery whipped shortbread with a lovely peppermint vanilla glaze! Delicious Christmas shortbread cookies for holiday trays!

Bake

Continue to scoop out balls of cookie dough using a small 1 TBSP cookie scoop. Then, using greased hands, gently roll the dough into smooth balls and place on the prepared baking sheets, leaving only about 1″ of space between each ball of dough. The dough doesn’t really spread, so you can fit a lot of cookies on 1 sheet.

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-22 minutes or until bottoms are lightly browned. Let the cookies cool for 5 minutes before removing from the baking sheet and transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Peppermint Vanilla Icing

In a medium size bowl, combine the melted butter, powder sugar, vanilla extract, peppermint extract, and milk. Whisk all the ingredients together until smooth, adding more milk as necessary until icing is pourable.

Proceed to spoon the icing over the tops of each cookie. Immediately sprinkle with crushed peppermint pieces as the icing does set quickly.

Let the cookies cool to set, serve and enjoy!

Whipped Peppermint Vanilla Shortbread Cookies

Peppermint Vanilla Shortbread Cookies are a perfectly tender, buttery whipped shortbread with a lovely peppermint vanilla glaze on top! These Christmas shortbread cookies are not only delicious but beautiful as well, they make a great holiday dessert table treat.

Course Christmas, Cookies, Cookies, Dessert

Cuisine American

Keyword Peppermint Vanilla Shortbread Cookies, Whipped Shortbread Cookies

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Servings

Calories 170kcal

Author Jessica & Nellie

Ingredients

Shortbread Cookie Ingredients

1 cup butter softened
½ cup powdered sugar sifted
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup cornstarch
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp almond extract
¼ tsp salt

Peppermint Vanilla Icing Ingredients

3 TBSP butter melted
2 cups powdered sugar
½ tsp vanilla extract
¼ tsp peppermint extract
2-3 TBSP milk
Crushed peppermint pieces for topping

Instructions

Prep: Begin by preheating the oven to 300°F. Then line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silicon mat and set it aside.
Cookie dough: Using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until it is a light and fluffy mixture, this should take about 3-5 minutes.
Next, gradually add the flour and cornstarch, beating until all is well blended. After that, add in the vanilla extract, almond extract and the salt. Proceed to whip the cookie batter on medium high speed for 5 minutes.
Bake: Continue to scoop out balls of cookie dough using a small 1 TBSP cookie scoop. Then, using greased hands, gently roll the dough into smooth balls and place on the prepared baking sheets, leaving only about 1" of space between each ball of dough. The dough doesn't really spread, so you can fit a lot of cookies on 1 sheet.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-22 minutes or until bottoms are lightly browned. Let the cookies cool for 5 minutes before removing from the baking sheet and transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Peppermint Vanilla Icing: In a medium size bowl, combine the melted butter, powder sugar, vanilla extract, peppermint extract, and milk. Whisk all the ingredients together until smooth, adding more milk as necessary until icing is pourable.
Proceed to spoon the icing over the tops of each cookie. Immediately sprinkle with crushed peppermint pieces as the icing does set quickly. Let the cookies cool to set, serve and enjoy!

Video

Notes

Peppermint Vanilla Shortbread Cookies are a wonderful treat to serve at your next holiday party or event. These Christmas shortbread cookies taste as incredible as they look, give them a try today!

Nutrition

Why are my Vanilla Shortbread Cookies cooked unevenly?

If your cookies are darker on the bottom than you’d like, it’s probably an issue with your cookie sheet. I do not like thin cookie sheets or dark cookie sheets, as these both tend to burn the bottoms of cookies. If you use a lot of cooking spray, the same result can happen. I prefer to use lighter colored cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. My favorite cookie sheets are Nordicware– I have 3 half sheets and 2 quarter sheets and love them all!

How can I tell if my shortbread cookies are done?

Normally I bake the cookies until the bottom edges are barely beginning to brown, then remove the cookie sheet from the oven and let the cookies sit for an additional 2-5 minutes. After that, you can transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely. As the cookies cool, they’ll firm up in the middle so you’ll have perfectly cooked cookies that are slightly crispy on the outside and soft and chewy inside.

Note the time suggested in the recipe but know that everyone’s ovens cook a bit differently. You’ll have to pay close attention to how your oven cooks so you learn if you need to bake cookies a minute or two longer for instance, than what the recipe states.

How do you soften butter?

I like to soften butter by using the defrost function on my microwave. If you need the full 1/2 cup cube of butter, you can leave it in the paper wrapper, otherwise, place the amount of butter you need in a glass or porcelain bowl. I use the lowest defrost setting on my microwave and just let it run for 20 seconds. Check the butter and see how soft it is by pressing it with a rubber scraper. If it is still not soft to the touch, meaning it doesn’t indent when you press into it, let it warm for another 5-10 seconds. Watch it closely! Butter softens very quickly.

How long are iced shortbread cookies good for?

These amazing cookies probably won’t last long enough to store some. But if by chance you do have some left over, they will last up to 7 days stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Can Shortbread Cookies be frozen?

Yes, you can freeze shortbread Cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Make sure you first let them sit on the countertop for 2-3 hours before stacking them in the airtight container, so that the icing has enough time to set. Store each layer with a piece of parchment paper in between so that the cookies will not stick together and maintain their prettiness when defrosted.

Looking for more holiday cookies & shortbread cookies recipes?

When did my kids get so big?! Heavens, everyone told me time goes by quickly, but I haven’t really felt it until now. Good thing they are such good looking kids, because they drive me crazy sometimes!

Peppermint Vanilla Shortbread Cookies are a lovely tender, whipped shortbread with an incredible peppermint vanilla glaze on top! These Christmas shortbread cookies are not only pretty but delicious as well, they make a great dessert on any holiday treat table.

Peppermint Vanilla Shortbread Cookies are tender, buttery whipped shortbread with a lovely peppermint vanilla glaze! Delicious Christmas shortbread cookies for holiday trays!

The post PEPPERMINT VANILLA SHORTBREAD COOKIES appeared first on Family Cookie Recipes.

SPICED CHRISTMAS SHORTBREAD COOKIES

Jessica — Fri, 27 Nov 2020 22:12:55 +0000

Spiced Christmas Shortbread Cookies are made with simple pantry staples like powdered sugar, butter, vanilla, and warm holiday spices, creating rich, cozy flavor in every bite. Finished with a glossy powdered-sugar frosting, they’re an easy festive treat perfect for any Christmas cookie tray.

We love cookies around here, and this spiced shortbread recipe is a true holiday standout. It comes together quickly with minimal ingredients, delivers a soft and flavorful Christmas cookie, and the simple glaze makes decorating easy while letting you control the sweetness. These festive cookies are perfect for parties, cookie exchanges, or a cozy weeknight bake, and they’re simple enough for new bakers or fun to make with the kids.

Why you’ll love these Christmas Shortbread Cookies

Easy and beginner-friendly: Uses simple ingredients and straightforward steps that anyone can follow.
Perfect holiday flavor: Warm spices and buttery shortbread create a festive cookie everyone loves.
Great for decorating: The quick glaze adds shine, sweetness, and endless decorating possibilities.

Spiced Christmas Shortbread Cookie Ingredients

Powdered Sugar: Using ¾ cup powder sugar adds sweetness and keeps the shortbread soft and tender.

Butter: Add ¾ cup of softened butter to create a rich, buttery dough.

Extract: 1 tsp of vanilla extract gives the cookies a warm, flavorful base.

Flour: You need 1 ⅔ cups of all-purpose flour to build the dough structure (plus a little extra for rolling).

Salt: ½ teaspoon of salt enhances all the flavors.

Spices: Use 1 tsp each of cinnamon and allspice to give the cookies cozy holiday warmth.

For the Frosting you will need:

Powdered Sugar: You’ll need 2 cups powdered sugar to create a smooth, sweet frosting.

Water: Just 2 TBSP of water thins the frosting to the right consistency.

Corn Syrup: Use 2 TBSP of light corn syrup to give the glaze a glossy finish.

Tips for making Frosted Shortbread Cookies

Full instructions in the recipe card below, but here are a few helpful tips for an easy cookie baking process!

Soften the butter fully — Soft, room-temperature butter blends smoothly with the powdered sugar and helps the dough come together without crumbling.
Chill the dough for at least 2 hours — This helps the shortbread hold its shape, prevents spreading, and makes it easier to cut clean cookie shapes.
Adjust the glaze slowly — Add water a few drops at a time until it reaches a smooth, drizzle-friendly consistency so it stays shiny and sets nicely.

How do you store Christmas shortbread cookies?

If frosted, you’ll want your cookies to set completely before trying to store so that they are less likely to stick together. Simply place the cookies in a large airtight container and place the cookies in layers with wax paper or parchment paper between each. They will keep this way for 3-5 days.

Can I freeze these cut out shortbread cookies?

Absolutely. You can freeze the unbaked dough or freeze the baked cookies (without glaze) for up to 2–3 months. Add the glaze after thawing for the best texture and shine.

Spiced Christmas Shortbread Cookies Recipe

Course Cookies, Dessert

Cuisine American

Keyword Spiced Shortbread Cookies

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Cooling Time 2

Total Time 2 25

Servings cookies

Calories 142kcal

Author Jessica & Nellie

Ingredients

¾ cup powdered sugar
¾ cup butter softened
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 ⅔ cup flour
½ tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp allspice

Icing

2 cups powdered sugar
2 TBSP water
2 TBSP corn syrup

Instructions

In a large bowl, whisk the powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla using an electric hand whisk.
In another bowl, mix together the flour, salt and spices. Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, whisk to form the dough.
Chill the dough in the fridge for at least 2 hours.
Pre-heat the oven to 350°F. Line two baking trays with parchment paper and spray lightly with cooking spray.
Roll out the dough to ½ inch thick, and cut out cookies into desired shape. Place on the prepared baking sheets.
Bake for 10-15 minutes, until the bottom is lightly golden brown. Cool on a wire rack to room temperature.
In a bowl, combine the powdered sugar, water, and corn syrup. Whisk until smooth. Add any desired food coloring and whisk again.
Frost cookies as desired and then leave them to dry and set completely before serving. Enjoy!

Notes

These frosted shortbread cookies will stay fresh for up to 3-5 days if stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Separate layers with parchment paper to keep cookies from sticking together.

For longer storage, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before adding the frosting.

Nutrition

Why do these shortbread cookies not have cornstarch?

Many shortbread recipes use cornstarch, but this version uses powdered sugar for a reason. Powdered sugar adds sweetness and also contains cornstarch, giving the dough the same tender texture without needing an extra ingredient. It keeps the recipe simple while creating a perfectly smooth, no-fuss dough.

Do I have to chill my shortbread dough?

Yes, please don’t skip this step! Shortbread has so few ingredients that keeping the dough cold is essential. Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape, stay thick, and bake up perfectly tender. If the dough warms up, the butter softens too much and the cookies can spread or melt in the oven.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! The dough can be made 1–2 days in advance. Keep it tightly wrapped in the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before rolling if it feels too firm.

Why are my shortbread cookies tough?

If you overwork your dough you could cause the flour in the dough to create some gluten responses which will lead to a tough cookie. Remember, we aren’t kneading dough here, so you can be much more gentle with the cookies. You want things to just come together.

Enjoy more of our favorite Christmas Cookie recipes here:

Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups are festive sugar cookie cups filled with fudge, mini marshmallows, and sprinkles, complete with a candy cane handle. The perfect sweet treat to celebrate the holidays!
These Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are incredibly soft, thick, and packed with festive flavor. They’re an easy, crowd-pleasing treat that might just become your new favorite holiday dessert!
Mint Christmas Cookies are dipped in chocolate and covered in festive holiday sprinkles. Perfectly green and festive, they’re ideal for cookie exchanges or holiday gift plates!
Our recipe for Peppermint Fudge Sugar Cookies combine soft, buttery sugar cookies with chocolate peppermint fudge and crushed candy canes. A festive, indulgent treat that’s perfect for Christmas!
Ginger Molasses Cookies are packed with warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and fresh ginger. Rolled in turbinado sugar, they have a rich molasses flavor with a perfectly crisp exterior.

Spiced Christmas Shortbread Cookies are buttery and flavorful, made with cinnamon and allspice and finished with a simple icing. Perfect for holiday baking with rich texture and festive taste!

The post SPICED CHRISTMAS SHORTBREAD COOKIES appeared first on Family Cookie Recipes.

CHOCOLATE PECAN SHORTBREAD COOKIES

Jessica — Thu, 13 Dec 2018 00:59:41 +0000

Pecan Shortbread Cookies made with rich cocoa powder, buttery shortbread dough, and crunchy chopped pecans. Finished with a silky drizzle of melted chocolate, these cookies deliver pure chocolate goodness in every crumb.

I’ve always loved shortbread cookies—there’s just something about that buttery, melt-in-your-mouth crispness that feels absolutely divine. I recently created a chocolate twist on my favorite mint shortbread, and the results are incredible! They’re easy to make, full of rich flavor, and so pretty on a holiday cookie tray. Chocolate shortbread definitely deserves a spot on your Christmas cookie list!

Ingredients for Chocolate Shortbread Cookies

Butter: 1 cup butter provides richness, tenderness, and that classic melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Sugar: Use sugar to sweeten the dough perfectly.

Extract: Enhance the overall flavor and balance the cocoa’s bitterness with 1 tsp vanilla extract.

Cocoa Powder: ¼ cup cocoa powder gives the cookies their chocolate flavor.

Flour: When combined with butter, flour creates the tender, sandy crumb shortbread is known for.

Baking powder: 1 tsp baking powder helps the cookies puff up slightly as they bake.

Salt: Balance sweetness and enhance the chocolate flavor by adding ¼ tsp salt.

Add ins: Add crunch in every bit with ⅓ cup chopped pecans.

Chocolate: Top the cookies with melted chocolate chips.

Kitchen Tools for making Shortbread Cookies recipe

Here are two of my favorite kitchen items I use to make these shortbread cookies. I actually use these items in nearly every cookie recipe I make, as well as several other types of recipes, so they’re quite versatile.

First, I line my cookie sheets with a piece of parchment paper. They’re sold in sizes that fit a 12×16 cookie sheet perfectly and enable to cookies to bake well without sticking- and no mess from spraying oil on the cookie sheets!
The second item is a KitchenAid mixer. I love mine! I have a Bosch as well but I find I use my KitchenAid for cookies. There is a cookie paddle that comes with every mixer that you attach to the mixer. They’re easy to use and help you mix the ingredients uniformly. I also use the metal whisk attachment in this recipe to make the frosting. It whips it up super fast! Add this to your wish list because it’s one of my all-time used small appliances ever!

How long are chocolate covered shortbread cookies good for?

These cookies stay fresh for about 5–7 days when stored properly. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature, adding parchment between layers as the chocolate drizzle makes them prone to sticking.

If you’d like to store them longer, they freeze beautifully for up to 2–3 months—just freeze them in a single layer first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.

Chocolate Pecan Shortbread Cookie Recipe

Course Cookies, Dessert

Cuisine American

Keyword Chocolate Pecan Shortbread Cookies, Christmas, Pecan Shortbread Cookies, Shortbread

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 22

Total Time 32

Servings cookies

Calories 98kcal

Author Jessica & Nellie

Ingredients

1 cup butter softened (2 sticks)
½ cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
¼ cup cocoa powder
2 cups flour
1 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
⅓ cup chopped pecans
⅓ cup chocolate chips

Instructions

With an electric mixer, cream the butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and cocoa powder, mix again until combined.
Add the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix again until a soft dough forms. Add in pecans and mix until combined.
Divide the dough in half and place on a sheet of wax paper. Form each half into an 8-inch log. Chill the logs, wrapped in the wax paper, for at least 2 hours or overnight. If you’re pressed for time, 30 minutes in the freezer works well too!
Get the oven preheating to 300°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Cut the logs into ¼-inch-thick slices with a sharp knife and arrange the slices 2 inches apart on baking sheets. Bake the cookies on the top rack of the oven for 22-26 minutes. Transfer to wire racks to cool.
In a small bowl, heat the chocolate chips in microwave for 1 minute. Stir gently and continue heating in 15 second increments until smooth. Transfer to a small baggie, cut a small corner of the bag, and drizzle on the cookies. Let cool to set, then serve & enjoy!

Notes

Chocolate shortbread cookies should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they will last 5–7 days. Add parchment between layers to keep them from sticking together.

For longer storage—freeze them in a single layer first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze beautifully for up to 2–3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Nutrition

Can I use a different nut instead of pecans?

Yes! Walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts work perfectly. You can also leave the nuts out entirely if you prefer a smoother shortbread.

Why is my shortbread dough crumbly?

Shortbread dough is naturally crumbly, but it should hold together when pressed. If it’s too dry to shape, mix in 1–2 teaspoons of milk or water until it comes together.

Do I have to chill the dough?

Chilling isn’t always required, but it does help the cookies hold their shape and prevents spreading. If the dough feels soft or warm, chill it for 20–30 minutes before baking.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely—shortbread is great for make-ahead baking! The dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Baked cookies also freeze very well.

Try more holiday cookies & shortbread cookies recipes here:

Caramel Thumbprint Cookies are buttery shortbread treats rolled in crunchy pecans, baked to perfection, and filled with warm, gooey caramel. They’re an irresistible holiday favorite that always disappears first at cookie exchanges!
These Mint Christmas Cookies are dipped in smooth chocolate and finished with festive holiday sprinkles. Their bright green color makes them perfect for cookie exchanges, gift plates, and adding a pop of cheer to any holiday spread!
This recipe for Holiday Star Cookies are dipped in white chocolate and coated in festive sprinkles, they’re the sparkling holiday cookie everyone reaches for first!
Frosted Rose Sugar Cookies are soft, buttery sugar cookies topped with a beautiful red and green swirled rosette that looks just like a blooming rose. With no chilling or rolling required, these elegant cookies are as easy as they are stunning—perfect for gifting or holiday dessert trays!
Ginger Molasses Cookies packed with warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and fresh ginger. Rolled in coarse turbinado sugar, they boast a rich molasses flavor with a delightfully crisp exterior—perfect for cozy holiday snacking!

Pecan Shortbread Cookies are buttery, chocolatey treats studded with crunchy chopped pecans. Topped with a silky drizzle of melted chocolate, they deliver rich, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate goodness in every bite.

The post CHOCOLATE PECAN SHORTBREAD COOKIES appeared first on Family Cookie Recipes.