by Holly
Shortbread Cookies are a soft, crumbly, and classic buttery Christmas cookie that melts in your mouth. These easy cookies are made using a cookie press to create perfect holiday bites.
When I bite into one of these delicious shortbread cookies, it just brings me back to my Grandma’s kitchen filled with Nanaimo bars, sugar cookies and these beauties.
What Are Shortbread Cookies?
Everyone has that one Christmas cookie that just tastes like the holidays… this is mine!
Shortbread cookies are actually very simple to make and require ingredients you likely already have on hand! They are a butter based cookie that will literally melt in your mouth! I use a cookie press to make these cookies so they do look similar to a Spritz Cookie. The texture and flavor are different as spritz cookies generally contain an egg while shortbread does not.
One thing to remember is that all of the flavor in these cookies comes from the butter and vanilla. This is a good place to splurge and buy a butter you know and love (rather than a store brand), it will definitely show in the flavor of your cookies. I use a high-quality vanilla as well.
How to Make Shortbread Cookies
This shortbread cookie recipe is especially close to my heart. I didn’t eat a ton of cookies but I could never resist my Grandma’s shortbread cookies. This recipe has been tested over and over and recently updated to make it easier and for the best flavor!
- Cream butter, sugar, and vanilla.
- Mix the dry ingredients and blend in butter mixture until combined.
- Use a cookie press to press out the dough onto un-greased cookie tray. (Or, if you don’t have a press, follow the recipe suggestion)
To ensure the shortbread cookies don’t turn out too dense make sure to measure the flour properly.
How To Bake Shortbread Cookies
Make sure the oven is preheated to 350°F. I like to line the tray with parchment for perfect cookies every time. However, without parchment your cookies will still turn out great, just bake them following the recipe instructions below!
I am lucky enough to have an old vintage cookie press that I’ve had for years (check your local thrift shops, they turn up from time to time). It creates the same beautiful cookies from my childhood! But if you don’t have a cookie press, use a fork or alternatively, a glass to press the cookies into a flattened shape about 1/4 inch thick on the tray.
Can You Freeze Shortbread Cookie Dough?
Shortbread dough can be frozen for up to three months. Once you thaw it and bake it, it shouldn’t be refrozen again, so alternatively, try baking the cookies before freezing in tins (there really is nothing quite like the taste of a frozen shortbread cookie!) You can freeze them with or without icing.
Shortbread cookies are a staple at Christmas. The holidays just wouldn’t be quite the same without them!
Delicious Holiday Cookies
- Candy Cane Cookies – perfectly peppermint flavored!
- Easy Chocolate Truffles – moist, rich, & delicious
- Thumbprint Cookies – classic christmas cookie!
- Eggnog Cookies – soft & chewy dessert
- Perfect Gingerbread Cookies – great for decorating!
Note: While this recipe has been made many times as written, measurements have been slightly adjusted to create more consistent results.
Easy Shortbread Cookies (Cookie Press)
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter , softened
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 6 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups flour all-purpose
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Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cream butter, vanilla & powdered sugar on medium until mixed.
Add in cornstarch, flour, and salt. Beat just until combined.
Place dough into cookie press and press onto an ungreased pan*. Add sprinkles or colored sugar if desired.
- Bake 9-11 minutes or just until done. Immediately transfer to a wire rack to cool.
Recipe Notes
(Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.)
The Best Shortbread Cookie Icing
Of course you can use classic sugar cookie icing to decorate shortbread cookies.
- Or, try serving them up on a platter with chocolate buttercream frosting and a knife for spreading it!
- My kids love to drizzle or dip shortbread cookies in melted chocolate. Mix a cup of chocolate chips with half a teaspoon of oil, and microwave at 10 second intervals, stirring until the chips melt. You can use white chocolate chips for this, caramel, or peanut butter, too!
- Or, the heck with it, just grab a jar of Nutella or make your own and have at it!
This recipe is one of the biggest fails I’ve had in baking. Same as a couple of others commented, the dough was crumbly and didn’t come together at all, and yes, I did measure the flour correctly. I tried to add an egg as one of the commenters recommended and although it did bring this together into an actual dough it was a disaster in there cookie press. Normally, I would just scrap the cookie plan and eat the dough, but it tasted so bland I tossed it. I just made a different recipe last week that was a cocoa version and it was much better and this was very disappointing.
Oh no, that’s disappointing Kate. I made this three times this year as written for Christmas and had no problems so I can’t say what went wrong for you.
Fabulous but why the corn starch as it’s in the powdered sugar already? Wouldn’t cream of tartar be better? I know you create recipes so this is not meant as a criticism I really want to know. I appreciate your time thank you for reading
Hi Paige, this is just what we found worked best in this recipe. If you try it with cream of tartar instead I would love to hear how it turns out!
Can you use a pastry bag with large star tip? Also, can you use an egg white wash for the sprinkles to stick? Thank you
You could definitely try a pastry bag Christie, that should work fine. As for the sprinkles we found they stuck to our cookies as is! Have fun baking.
Having a hard time with batter not holding together, very dry. Hard to get into press. No liquid other than vanilla?
Vanilla is the only liquid. When measuring your flour, did you lightly scoop it into the measuring cup?
Great flavor, I used almond & vanilla extracts. But 350 seems low. And my oven tends to run hot. I baked these at 350 for close to 15 mins before they would hold together.
I normally don’t bake but these were easy. Turned out awesome. Will definitely make again
You have some wonderful recipes that I look forward to trying! First up is the shortbread that I can make in my cookie press!
How do I get the press?
Hi Minnie, you can order one, pick one up at your local supermarket, or we have even found some great ones at our local thrift store.
So happy with your Thumbprint @ Shortbread recipe. Finally found a cookie press recipe. THANKS
I made these today, using my cookie press for the first time. I though they came out tasting pretty good. I need more practice using the press and I’m sure they would look better the next time. Thanks for the easy recipe.
Followed recipe exactly but too soft for cookie press. Tried adding flour a tablespoon at a time and putting dough in the fridge but nothing worked. Gave up and just made normal shortbread with the dough.
Very disappointing as have no problem using the cookie press with the normal spitz recipe – really wanted to make cookie press shortbread
So sorry to hear that Michelle. We have made this recipe many times with great success. If your mixture is too soft, you could try adding a couple of spoonfuls of cornstarch to get the right consistency.
This recipe is by far the BEST shortbread cookie recipe I have ever used. The texture, flavor, and baking height are perfect. It worked flawlessly in my cookie press also.
I do have a question – it there any way to sweeten it up without losing the integrity of the original recipe? Minus icing or decorations, that is. I’m baking for a teenagers who have requested a sweeter flavor *sigh*
Thank you very much!
Yay! So glad you loved it! I have tried tweaking the ratios in this recipe so many times and to be honest, as written works the very best.
You can certainly try adding more sugar but it may change the consistency.
These are the most flavorful, lightest, shortbread cookies ever! Our new favorite. I’ve made 4 batches over the last several weeks and everyone loves them! I don’t have a cookie press, so I just rolled the dough into small balls then tapped them with a meat tenderizing mallet to make square impressions. Or just flatten them with the bottom of a glass with parchment paper on top of the cookie so the glass doesn’t stick. Yummy!
I am so glad you guys loved them Deb! We love making these around Christmas too. That sounds like a great idea in a pinch!
I couldn’t find in the above recipe where/when to add the salt. Not sure it matters??!!
Hi Emma, add the salt at the same time as the flour. Enjoy!
Are there any additional instructons for high altitude for these shortbread cookies? (above 4000 ft)?
As I don’t cook at a high altitude, I can’t say for sure. Hopefully another reader can help you out.
I made these as written at 4000 ft. Turned out wonderful!
So glad you loved them Amelia!
Can a electric cookie press be used. Going make the cookies tomorrow.
I think that should work just fine.
Quick, easy and the most delicious shortbread cookie I have ever tasted. I added fresh raisins to the top of cookie before baking… Wow thankyou for this best ever cookie.
So glad you loved it Julie! They are definitely delicious!
My dough turned out extremely soft. Tried to use my cookie press and it just glooped out (only way to describe it. Lol). Not sure what I did wrong.. maybe my butter was too soft (it was room temp)? Maybe too much gel food coloring? Any suggestions?
You are correct in that the butter should be soft/room temperature. I did make these twice this week and mine worked out perfectly. I think the gel coloring should be just fine. Did you by chance add extra vanilla?
Excellent. Use nonpareils sprinkles not sugar pearls.
These were super easy and tasty however, I made 1 batch and felt it really needed more salt to balance the sweetness. I like my shortbread to have that hint of salt to balance the sweetness. I made another batch and used 1/4 tsp salt and those ones were perfect.
So glad you loved them, thank you for sharing your tip on the salt!
Tips on getting these to stay in their tree shape while using the cookie press? :( I chilled the sheet in the fridge for 10 minutes. They taste good, just look like ugly blobs lol
Oh no, how disappointing! I haven’t had that problem. Do you live in a humid area? Did you use butter (not margarine) and all purpose flour? Did you grease your cookie sheet (or use a non-stick or slippery cookie sheet)?
I really hope chilling the dough helped.
What setting did you use on your cookie press? Thin, medium, thick? Because I want mine to look just like yours. They are beautiful.
My cookie press doesn’t have settings but I would think it was either medium or thick. Here is a link to the video on Facebook, hopefully that helps!
Thank you.
Easy Shortbread Cokies (Cookie Press)
This recipe is missing ingredients. I mixed it as directed and it was so dry there was no way it would form into balls, so I looked up another recipe and added 1 egg. Then it was prefect. I think you need to edit the recipe so others don’t run into this.
I can’t say why you had trouble with this recipe as it works for me as written. Shortbread doesn’t contain egg (Spritz cookies do) so I do not add egg to this recipe.
Did you scoop your flour into the measuring cup from your container or did you measure the flour by sprinkling it into the measuring cup? Scooping the flour can sometimes cause it to be packed into the cup.
Can I make the dough ahead of time n keep it refrigerated ??
I’ve never tried refrigerating this dough. This dough is best used at room temperature, so refrigerating it may make it a bit harder to work with.
Ok, so I just made these with vegan margarine and they turned out great! I was a little worried they would spread using the margarine but they didn’t.
It was my first time using a cookie press too. My first batch I used my practically brand new condition rimless cookie sheet, but it was a little too slippery and some of my cookies didn’t want to stick. My second batch I used a well worn cookie sheet with much better results. Great recipe! Thank you
Great news Leslie, thank you for sharing!
I have recently went vegan. I am going to try to make these with vegan butter, if that doesn’t work I’ll try coconut oil, or a mixture of both. I’ll post my results for anyone looking for a vegan option.
Thank you Leslie :)
What would happen of you used salted butter?
It would change the flavor of the cookies.
You can just leave out the added salt if you want to use salted butter. You can also do both if you want a slightly saltier cookie.
Where can I get the cookie maker?
You can find new ones on Amazon here. You can also find vintage ones (more like the one I have in the video) at consignment stores or on ebay or etsy.
I bought a Wilton one at Canadian Tire for 20$
I’d like to try these in place of my spritz cookies this year. Do you know if I could tint them with food coloring like I do the spritz?
Food coloring would work just fine!
Can you please tell me about the butter you talked about what kind and where to get it? I found the pure vanilla .
High quality butter would often say Grade AA. I suggest to use the best one you see at your grocery store.
They look great! Could you put the measurements in grams?
Thank you Yani! I’m sorry, I’m unable to provide grams. I would suggest searching for a conversion online.
Great recipe! We just made these cookies tonight. Delicious!
I just made these. Mine tasted like flour. Perhaps I will try again and be extra careful with measurements as I had doubled the recipe. I was so disappointed after reading all the comments about how good they taste and biting into a crumbly flour cookie. Hope they taste better tomorrow. Will try another day as I had planned to take these to a seniors tea tomorrow. I used my 2 yr old press and the dough comes out but not consistently. These new cookie presses do not work as consistently as the ones from a couple decades ago. Boy do I ever sound like my mother saying that!! LOL!!
Lucy, I’m sorry they didn’t work out. Did you measure the flour by scooping it out perhaps? I measure by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off. Hope that helps.
This isn’t the recipe I am looking for. I know our recipe used granulated sugar. The recipe came with Mom’s cookie press from the 50’s. We lost it when my brother did some cleanup after she passed.
Most cookie presses include the recipe called Spritz Cookies. I think that’s probably what you are looking for. They are very similar but use granulated sugar and no corn starch. It’s the recipe I grew up with and they are delicious but not too sweet. You should be able to find the recipe on-line. Good luck, hope this helps you!
The powdered sugar makes a lighter cookie/texture.
I made this recipe during christmas but the cornstarch was 1/3 cup?
Some readers were having trouble with this recipe so it was retested and updated to provide better results.
I made these for Xmas day and I’ve never had so many guests rave to me about how much they loved these cookies. Many of them asked if they could take some home!
I love how well this recipe squeezes through my cookie press. Had a nice texture ( instead of the melt and fall apart in your mouth whipped shortbread which I’m more used to). These ones are light with a nice crispness.
I will make this my go-to recipe from now on for shortbread!
I am so glad you enjoyed this recipe!
This is THE BEST shortbread recipe out there. They’re so delicious! With the perfect consistency that melts in your mouth. I used a cookie press. They kept their shape, and was not too thick like other reviewers stated. My guess is those who came out with too thick of dough, did not soften the butter quite enough. Not sure since mine was perfect!
Just tried this recipe and found that it was not sweet enough. Not that shortbread cookies are sweet,i just like a bit more sweetness to them. I would try adding more icing sugar and a little less cornstarch like I have done with my mom’s recipe.
These are nice and airy though. I also found it hard to use the cookie press, dough was quite firm so I just gave the press a few good pushes.
can I use anise??
I made these using my smallest cookie scoop and rolled them into a ball. I then dipped the top in large granulated sugar and pressed with a fork like you suggested. Oh my gosh, these are absolutely the best shortbread cookies I have ever eaten! They are light and fluffy, melt in your mouth deliciousness !
I made these spritz cookies. Excellent. Better than my old recipe.
Would recommend making this.
How can I make these gluten free?
I have not tried making these GF so I can’t say for sure.
You can use 1 to 1 ratio of gluten free flourWITH xanthem gum. Look on ingredients.. Will work perfectly. I use this all the time when baking.
Thank you for sharing Deborah!
Can you put this dough in a form pan to bake.
I haven’t tried this in a form pan so I can’t say for sure. Let us know how it goes if you try it!
My husband waits every year for the after Christmas sale of Danish shortbread cookies then buys enough to last a year. I decided to make this recipe in my holiday baking. He loves them! The batch I just made won’t last more than a few days. I am sure this is going to be a recipe I cook often! But that is okay because it is easy and fun! I wrapped the dough in plastic wrap, shaped into a log, refrigerated it, sliced it and sprinkled a little raw sugar on it before baking. I give this 5+ stars!
Those Danish shortbread cookies are good! I am so glad that your family has enjoyed this recipe. I hope that it helps to keep your husband in cookies all year long!
I’ll probably give this recipe a try. It sounds wonderful…. and relatively easy.
However, I’m looking to incorporate some dried fruits into the cookie. My first thought was a shortbread. I’ll give it some more thought, before I bake these. I believe my wife has at least one cookie press, here, in the house. . . But if I add chunks of dried fruits, I’m not sure how well the press would work (and it saves me some time, by not searching for the press(es) wherever).
You can roll it into balls and press it flat if needed.
Dough too soft. Add more flour
Gail
I have been making Spritz for years but, love shortbread.
Easy preparation and comes out nice with the press.
Delicious! Just a hint of sweet and a melt in your mouth character
How do you measure out your flour? Spoon and level? I’ve never tried with corn starch. Thanks for sharing the recipe.
Yes, I spoon and level.
Can you use almond instead of vanilla? Do a thumbprint cookie and put raspberry jam in thumbprint?
Yes, you can change the flavor of the extract but almond can have a stronger flavor so I would suggest adding a bit less. I haven’t tried these as a thumbprint cookie however they’re quite fragile and crumbly so I’m not sure how it would work.
Thank-you Holly! I have just found my new favourite cookie recipe… My first time using a cookie press also., it worked for the first few and then they did not come out of the press right, more like spagetti (no idea why), I was so discouraged, because they were so pretty.. I ended up finishing the rest as balls. but I am going to give the cookie press one more chance just because they look so pretty, and also try the other suggestions, I read on here..My husband says they remind him of his mother`s To anyone wanting to try this recipe, Just do it! You won`t be sorry. :)
I’m so glad you loved them!
These are so delicious and creamy !
I am so glad you liked the recipe!
I love this recipe. It is definitely bakery quality.
I am so glad you liked this recipe Mary!
I’ve been baking these shortbread for over 40 years with the exception of the vanilla. I got the recipie from my mother. We have them only at Christmas. She had a copper cookie press. She bought me a cookie gun….still have it, still use it!
I love those old cookie presses!
I used another recipe and it tasted like flour hardly butter. Hope these are not like this cuz man that’s not a good taste to have, the recipe was flour egg yolk sugar butter and vanilla and man didn’t taste well.
I’m so excited to finally get this recipe, and can’t wait to make these.
Wish me luck
I tried these with a stand mixer using the paddle attachment. It turned out super loose and wouldn’t work with my cookie press. I tried chilling the dough and it still wouldn’t come out right. I tried freezing, but that didn’t work either. I ended up forming into balls and flattening with a glass. Any ideas on how I can get them to work in the cookie press?
I made these again last night and they seemed to work just fine. If your mixture is too loose, you can add a couple of spoonfuls of cornstarch to get the right consistency.
I know why your cookies. Dough got crumbling. You just have to work it with your hands. I had the same problem. I mixed it with my hand mixer. Hope that helps. They worked out great.
Mmmmmgoood
I just have a crumbley mess that won’t blend into a dough. Any suggestions?
I’m not sure why yours came out crumbly, I’ve made these twice this week and the dough was the right consistency. It does start out a little bit crumbly but as you keep mixing it should all incorporate. Did you use 1 cup of butter?
Mine came out super crumbly too! I halved the recipe to see if I liked it and honestly, I couldn’t even form real balls (no cookie press here) because it was so crumbly. Even after squishing the dough in my fingers, it was impossible to work with.
I think I’m going to try the regular recipe, not halved, and see if it’s any better.
These turned out beautifully. Thank you.
Awesome! :)
I used this shortbread recipe to make my thumbprint cookies. They turned out great. This cookie truly does melt in your mouth. Just wonderful. I will definitely make them again!
I’m wondering if you could use a quality orange flavoring instead of vanilla.
Any thoughts welcome.
I’ve never tried it but I think it would be a nice flavor with these (and it would be great dipped in chocolate too)!
Just made these cookies. WOW! They are wonderful!
I’m so glad you love them Sonya! :)
Did you half the original recipe? I found this recipe a week ago and thought it required 1lb butter. Now that I’m ready to try this recipe it now says 1 cup instead of 1lb.
Yes, due to several requests, the recipe was resized (retested twice and re-photographed) to create a slightly smaller batch. I personally double it and it works perfectly.
Sorry I wanted to know any substitute for cookie press
Hi Ash,
Yes, you can roll these into small balls and press them flat with a fork (like you would a peanut butter cookie). My friend uses the dotted end of her meat mallet to flatten them and it leaves a neat pattern. Enjoy!
HI! these were AMAZING when we made and are planning to make more ASAP! Wondering though are these able to be frozen ok?
Yes, these freeze perfectly!
Hi any substitute to cookie press?
On your recipe for short bread cookies, is the butter salted or unsalted?
I use unsalted butter.
Grandmas cookies are shown with frosting….which is missing from the recipe.
These cookies are not frosted.
I will try these for Christmas, I usually make 9 or 10 different kind
May I share a secret with you? If you use sifted (before measuring) of Swan’s Down Cake Flour, you won’t need the cornstarch. You won’t have a “flour” taste either. It’s pure buttery light as air, melt in your mouth heaven!
I’ll have to see if I can get some of that flour and give it a try!
These cookies are fantastic. And they would look great in a Holiday cookie canister from Tupperware.
Can the short bread cookies be made using a cookie press?
Yes these are made with a cookie press.
Seems very interesting. Gotta try it
Thanks Betty
I’m loving your recipies! Photos are beautiful and the food is GREAT!! thank you so much!!
Just made these into “fingers” for dipping ends in chocolate and roll in nuts or sprinkles. Amazing cookies! I haven’t dipped them yet…I hope there are some left to dip! ( A half batch made 45 2″long fingers.)
I have written this recipe in my cookie press book; it will be my go-to since I used to not be a cookie press cookie fan
What a delicious idea! Thank you for sharing!
my son and I planned to make shortbread cookies today, but when I got to his house I had left my recipe at home. Things happen to a reason! went online and found Grandmas shortbread recipe…needless to say it will be the recipe I will continue to use, they are delicious
I’m so glad you enjoyed them as much as I do Marilyn!
About how many cookies does this make?
This should make about 40 cookies but will vary slightly based on the shapes of cookies you choose.
I made these today, though without a cookie press. The first shortbread that actually kept its shape and it’s so melt-in-your-mouth-delicious! Great recipe.
So glad you enjoyed them! :)
Why do you use the corn starch.
It helps to create that melt in your mouth texture.
Does it matter if I use salted or unsalted butter?
I use unsalted butter
What cookie press do you use to get this shape? It looks more like a Wilton 1M tip and not a cookie press disk, but the dough was too think when I tried. Still came out delicious though!
I’ve tried to find one similar online to show you but I haven’t seen one. This cookie press disk has 7 star shapes on it in a circle, the cookie press itself is probably 40 years old. :)
Thank you! With your description I was able to find a vintage cookie press on Etsy with that disk. Can’t wait till it gets here to try it out!
Oh that’s awesome Kelly, I just love the vintage presses! :)
So glad to hear I wasn’t a cookie press failure! The dough was too thick but I am definitely going to find a vintage cookie press!
I make this dough and divide into 2-4 portions and roll into logs wrap well and freeze. later I thaw in fridge and treat as well chilled dough and slice and bake. I like to make them about 1/8″ thick slices bake till lightly browned on edges. Cool, dip in melted chocolate and garnish with sprinkles if desired for entertaining and gifts. However they are definitely a diet disaster. you just can’t eat just one!
I’ve never tried dipping them in chocolate.. that would be delicious!!
i have made these cookies for many years. I got the recipe from my mother-in-law. They are so good. They melt in your mouth. Hard to eat just one.
About how many does this recipe make.. seems like alot. Should be a problem to half it right? Seems like pretty round numbers..lol
You can definitely half this recipe.
love the recipes
Thank you!
i love your food and desert