Melt-In-Your-Mouth Shortbread Cookie Recipe | Julie Elsdon-Height (2024)

85 Responses

  1. Wow you did an amazing job with your Shortbread cookies. I wish I could drop it to taste them :)

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    1. Not a big baker or cook for that matter. But this? This might just turn me into one. Just call me Betty Crocker if I did win! Lol…

      Reply

    2. My family has used this recipe, only doubled, for as long as I can remember, when the cookie presses came o to the market my mother started using one of them for these cookies, we get festive shapes such as stars, fir trees, pointsetta etc make a nice presentation on the cookie platter.

      Reply

  2. Those shortbread cookies look really good… I would love to do some shortbread cookies this Holiday season!

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  3. My favourite short bread recipe is the Best of Bridge whipped shortbreat…mmm mm good!

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  4. My Mom always made cookies about the same as these. We put a piece of candied cherry on top.

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  5. I use the shortbread recipe my mother and grandmother have always used. It has the same 4 ingredients that your recipe does but we roll it out and use a cookie cutter.

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  6. I would love to win a Gay Lea cookbook because you know, if it’s made with butter it’s going to be amazing. So I bet that cookbook is full of really good recipes.
    Your shortbread look lovely btw.

    Reply

  7. This is my fruit pizza with a shortbread crust. It is AMAZING!
    FRUIT PIZZA
    1/2 cup butter
    3/4 cup sugar
    1 egg
    1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
    1 tsp cream of tartar
    1/2 tsp baking soda
    1/4 tsp salt
    1 (8) oz package cream cheese
    1/2 cup white sugar
    2 tsp vanilla extract

    In a large bowl, cream together the butter and 3/4 cup sugar until smooth. Mix in egg, combine the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda and salt; stir into the creamed mixture until just blended. Press dough into an ungreased pizza pan.

    Bake in preheated oven for 8 – min, or until browned. Cool.

    In a large bowl,, beat cream cheese with 1/2 cup sugar and vanilla until light. Spread on cooled crust.

    Arrange desired fruit on top of filling and chill.

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  8. I use the one on the back of the corn starch box

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  9. I actually don’t have one because I’ve never made shortbread, but I’m thinking of trying this recipe. Looks good!

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    1. I hope you tried it. I have not really made a good one, until now with this recipe. I will use Irish butter next time perfect outer melt in your mouth crunch. Thanks

      Reply

  10. i use the one that was passed down to me from my grandma its been past down 4 generations…

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  11. I actually use the recipe you posted, and love it!

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  12. I don’t but I will try yours. It sound so easy.

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  13. This look delicious! and easy! I’m going to add these to our holiday baking party.

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  14. I have several shortbreads that I like but will certainly add this one to my list.

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  15. I have never made a good recipe…maybe this one will become my fav!

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  16. Would love the cookbook as I am a cookbook junkie.

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  17. I don’t have my own recipe, but I will definately be giving your recipe a try this year.

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  18. I love collecting cookbooks and trying new recipes, my youngest has turned into a great cook my oldest has just started getting interested. we love looking at the recipes.

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  19. My mom’s best friend, Janie, makes the best shortbread cookies. She always brings us a batch for the holidays.

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  20. My Grams! But yours looks pretty Incredible! Adding to the List

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  21. Shortbread is easy and one of those classically delicious recipes not only for the holidays, but any time of the year!

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  22. Yours look delicious, and melt in your mouth, wow, my auntie had cookie like these too, but I don’t have the recipe, gonna try your recipe! Thanks for sharing!

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  23. I am always on the lookout for the ‘perfect’ shortbread cookie recipe. I have tried several and will definitely be making this recipe soon. Thanks for sharing

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  24. I don’t have a favorite shortbread recipe. I can’t wait to try your recipe this holiday season!

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  25. I make these cookies and put minnie rolloes in the center, Then roll up in little balls, Have also carmell in the centers

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  26. I don’t have a shortbread recipe, but I would like to use yours!! ;-)

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  27. I don’t have a shortbread recipe.

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  28. similar recipe but i chill the dough, roll mine out and cut into shapes. then the kids decorate them.

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  29. Winning that mixer would make Christmas baking a real party.

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  30. I don’t ever make shortbread
    ..but I always have those ingredients so maybe I should!

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  31. This sounds so yummy. I am definitely going to give it a try this year. One of my favourite shortbread recipes is for Rocky Mountain Shortbread. Unfortunately I can’t find my recipe right now, but it is basically a shortbread with chopped up Tobblerone bar in it…..so good!

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  32. shortbread are my hubbies fav , he likes then straight up, I dip mine in orange chocolate yum.

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  33. i dont have a favorite shortbread recipe — I’ve always failed at making shortbread, so i’m excited to try this one over the holidays

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  34. love the shortbread recipe. another one added to my list of favorites to try. great one for the holiday, not too complicated

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  35. i used to have a go to recipe for shortbread but i haven’t made it in years and now im not sure i still have it!

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  36. I love shortbread and have been using the same recipe for over 45 years, but I am going to try this one because of it’s simplicity and ease to make.

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  37. I don’t have a fav shortbread recipe but I am darn good at eating them :)

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  38. Yes I have a favourite recipe, but my shortbread never taste as good as everyone elses.

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  39. I’ve actually been looking for a good short bread recipe to try.

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  40. These look yummy! I just might be making these for Christmas Eve.

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  41. I use my Grandma’s recipe, it just melts in your mouth :)

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  42. I use my moms recipe yummyyyyyy

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  43. LOVE shortbread but I have actually never tried making it. I may attempt it this holiday season because I dont think my kids have tried shortbread :)

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  44. I’ve never made shortbread before. I think I’ll try your recipe!

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  45. I dont. Usually just go with the flo to which ever one google chooses. :)

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  46. I do not have a recipe but my moms neighbor makes a really good shortbread! This book would be great to add to my just starting out collection, I love to bake and my kids love to eat! This mixer looks awesome too! Mine is an old sunbeam mixer, still works but is on its last legs =)

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  47. I dont have a recipe for shortbread but will be trying yours for sure. oh how I love shortbread co*kkies

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  48. I have never been able to find a good recipe or successfully make shortbread so I am going to have to give this recipe a go and see if I can’t be a shortbread queen by the end of holiday season :)

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  49. I make a super delish shortbread. I add chopped up Toblerone bar pieces. The sweet and melt in your mouth taste of traditional shortbread and the pop of chocolate is a win win!

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  50. My husband makes shortbread cookies every year for Christmas and he will be using your recipe this time

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  51. My mom makes the shortbreads every year and they are so good! I may give it a whirl and try the recipe here and see how it goes. They look good!

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  52. Thanks for the recipe, I do not have a good one .
    Thanks for the tips as well.

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  53. I’ve never used a mixer to make shortbreads, I always mix by hand. This sounds MUCH smarter!

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  54. It is the Skor Shortbread cookies my step mom makes us every year! Best ever

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  55. have not made them

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  56. I add Toblerone bars to mine!

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  57. I always love coming to check out your recipes & mocktails, I leave with ideas and inspiration every time :) No special recipe but I liked whipped short bread cookies when my wife made them. As long as you use extra vanilla any short bread cookie recipe is good in my books, and tummy ;)

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  58. Oh, Julie! Shortbread cookies are the best thing about Christmas! :) I always get a hankering for them around this time of year! I live in the UK & there’s a bit of rival between English shortbread & Scottish shortbread, but I’ve never met a shortbread biscuit I didn’t like! Haha. I followed you here from the link party at Chef in Training & I’d like to invite you to come link up to my party, too. It’s Tasty Tuesdays & I pin EVERY POST that gets linked up! You can find this week’s party here from tomorrow: http://anyonitanibbles.blogspot.co.uk/search?q=tasty+tuesdays

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  59. Can you make these as cut out cookies? The batter seems to be a bit too moist for that.

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  60. This recipe is awesome! I followed your instructions EXACTLY (i.e. Whip butter until white, I use Lactantia butter, and WATCH them in the oven). I used a pastry bag with the largest star tip to make a spritz style cookie and topped with a little chunk of red or green glazed baking cherries. Heaven! Thank you :)

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  61. I would love to know how you make the chocolate drizzle on the cookies that is displayed in the pictures.

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  62. I used your shortbread recipe today and they are fabulous!! Thank you very much :)

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  63. I made these yesterday following your instructions carefully and they are wonderful! Thank you!

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  64. I put a fresh blueberry once they were out of the oven…sooo good.

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  65. Hello all,
    Can anyone who has made the recipe tell me:
    Would this recipe do well as a base for lemon bars or is it too delicate?
    Appreciate any input. Thanks!

    Reply

  66. Absolutely love,love,love this recipe!!! Cookies truly melt in your mouth and taste like you spent a long time preparing them yet they are so fast to whip up!!!! I’m sure they’d make killer best sellers at a bake sale!!!!
    Thanks a million!!!

    Reply

  67. I made these and they were the best cookies ever! literally melts the second you put it in your mouth. For some reason though my cookies were extremely flat, but still were the best short breads i’ve ever tasted! i also used salted butter instead of unsalted as it was all i had at my house

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  68. You had me at Boney M’s Christmas album…

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  69. Pingback: Tried and True Short Bread Recipes You'll Love - Sober Julie

  70. I’m wondering how long the cookies will stay good in a tin?

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  71. OMG!I just made these! Excellent recipe, instructions and tips. Delectably divine! The only difference was that I was multitasking as a result I had to put the batter in the fridge – about 5 mins or so- before scoping onto the baking sheet -, also.. I added a 1/4 tsp almond extract -.

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  72. Well. I haven’t got a mixer anymore but the battery for my cordless drill is charged. Let’s see if I can make shortbread!

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  73. Thank you for your wonderfully delicious recipes. I added your shortbread cookies to my Christmas goodie gift platters – what a success. So once again thanks for sharing and keep up the great work! Much appreciated…

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  74. Melt in your mouth shortbread….sounds really good but………
    I’m not sure these melt in your mouth, it’s more like they turn to a fine powder in your mouth. I followed this recipe exactly, it’s not that these cookies were bad, they are definitely lacking something from flavor to texture.

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  75. I just made these cookies and oh my gosh!!! They are sooooooo delicious! Whatever you do once you take them out the oven, make sure you follow the instructions and “Let Them Completely Cool” before removing them from the sheet pan or else they will crumble and fall apart. After mixing the ingredients, I chopped up about 3/4 cup pecans and dried cranberries and added it to the mixture. Once the cookies were cool, i melted some of my favorite Cadbury Milk Chocolate and dipped half of the cookie in it, then let it harden. This is the BEST Shortbread cookie i have ever made! I took your advice and listened to my favorite Boney M and Smokey Robinson. Thank you so much for sharing this recipe!! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all!

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  76. I love this shortbread recipe, I always do one batch with toasted pecans and toffee bits and one batch plain. They are always melt in your mouth and a huge hit with my family.

    Reply

Melt-In-Your-Mouth Shortbread Cookie Recipe | Julie Elsdon-Height (2024)

FAQs

What are common mistakes when making shortbread? ›

The most common mistakes when making shortbread are over-working the dough, and incorporating too much flour. The less you work the dough, the more crumbly and melt-in-your-mouth your shortbread cookies will be.

What makes shortbread very short? ›

Shortbread is so named because of its crumbly texture (from an old meaning of the word "short", as opposed to "long", or stretchy). The cause of this texture is its high fat content, provided by the butter. The short or crumbly texture is a result of the fat inhibiting the formation of long protein (gluten) strands.

What happens if you put too much butter in shortbread? ›

Greasy mess: Extra butter means more fat, making the dough greasy and difficult to handle. Spreading like crazy: Cookies lose their shape, spreading thin and flat instead of staying nice and round. Uneven baking: The excess fat can burn easily on the edges while leaving the center undercooked.

Can you overwork shortbread dough? ›

It's important to avoid over-mixing shortbread dough, which will develop gluten and make the finished product tough, not tender. To make sure that the flour mixes completely with little effort, sift the flour first to get out all of the lumps.

What is the secret to good shortbread? ›

Tips To Make the Best Shortbread Cookies
  • Choose High Quality Butter. No matter what brand of butter you buy, if it's real butter, you can rest assured that it's the best. ...
  • Keep Ingredients Simple. ...
  • Add Flavor. ...
  • Don't Overwork. ...
  • Shape Dough. ...
  • Chill Before Baking. ...
  • Bake Until Golden. ...
  • Add Finishing Touches.

What is the difference between Scottish shortbread and regular shortbread? ›

Traditional Scottish shortbread is a simple recipe made with sugar, butter, flour, and salt. Other shortbread styles will include leavening agents like baking powder and baking soda, which makes them crisp instead of crumbly like traditional Scottish shortbread.

How dry should shortbread dough be? ›

The dough is supposed to be crumbly. It's a sweet, short pastry that should practically melt in your mouth when you take a bite. It should be about the same consistency as pie dough when chilled, smooth enough to roll out, but not wet or sticky.

Why does shortbread have holes in the top? ›

The word "bread" comes from "biscuit bread" which was made from leftover bread dough that was sweetened and dried out in the oven to make biscuits. Why do you poke holes in shortbread? The holes allow the moisture to escape during baking and more even heat distribution. This helps dry out and crisp up the cookies.

Why is my shortbread dry and crumbly? ›

Not enough fat

To fix this, you can add more fat to the dough. This can be in the form of butter, shortening, or even olive oil. Just add a little at a time until the dough comes together and is no longer crumbly. You may also need to add more liquid, such as milk or water, to get the right consistency.

What brand of butter is best for shortbread? ›

Spend extra when it really counts: If you're making a recipe where butter really is the star (think shortbread or biscuits), splashing out for a package of Kerrygold or Vital Farms is worth the expense. The fine differences in the flavor are most impactful in these recipes.

Why do you put shortbread in the fridge before baking? ›

Why do you put shortbread cut-out cookies in the fridge before baking? This is to resolidify the butter. The butter is at room temperature when making the dough resulting in a soft dough. If baked straight away, the butter would melt away immediately when hitting the hot oven and the shortbread would spread.

Should butter be cold for shortbread? ›

If it's too warm, the butter and sugar cannot properly cream and the cookies will taste dense. Many shortbread recipes call for cold butter worked into the dry ingredients and that gives you a wonderfully flaky cookie but if not mixed properly, the results can be inconsistent.

What happens if you don't chill shortbread dough? ›

But in this shortbread cookie recipe, it really makes a difference. Chilling the dough helps the cookies hold their shape. If you don't chill your shortbread dough, the cookies will spread as they bake.

How can you tell if shortbread is underbaked? ›

Begin checking at the tail end of the cooking time. Undercooked shortbread will be doughy and chewy. Slightly overcooked and it will become chalky, brittle and hard.

Why is my shortbread raw in the middle? ›

There are a variety of reasons why the shortbread could be damp underneath but it is most likely that either the dough is being pressed out too thickly, the pan is not metal so heats up too slowly, or the oven temperature is too high causing the top to brown before the bottom has cooked sufficiently.

Why did my shortbread fail? ›

There are a variety of reasons why the shortbread could be damp underneath but it is most likely that either the dough is being pressed out too thickly, the pan is not metal so heats up too slowly, or the oven temperature is too high causing the top to brown before the bottom has cooked sufficiently.

Should the butter be cold when making shortbread? ›

If it's too warm, the butter and sugar cannot properly cream and the cookies will taste dense. Many shortbread recipes call for cold butter worked into the dry ingredients and that gives you a wonderfully flaky cookie but if not mixed properly, the results can be inconsistent.

What are the disadvantages of shortbread? ›

Sugar provides a fast source of energy. There are rarely any artificial additives. Cons: Shortbread is a weight watcher's nightmare because it is extremely high in saturated fat and calories. Saturated fat is the 'bad' fat which is linked to artery-clogging high cholesterol and heart disease.

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