The Basics: Soft Shortbread Cookies

“The Basics” is a blog series where I share the starting point for most of my culinary creations. These recipes are meant to be the base for wherever your culinary imagination takes you!

Soft Shortbread Cookies

Orange Butter Cookies

The Basics: Soft Shortbread Cookies

Yields 24 cut-out cookies

• 1 cup salted butter, room temperature

• 1/4 cup white sugar

• 1/4 cup powdered sugar

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, sifted

• 1/2 tablespoon honey

• 1/2 tablespoon flavoring extract (optional)

• Zest of 2 citrus fruits (optional)

• 1 tablespoon of any liquid flavor (orange juice concentrate, bourbon, etc.) + 4 tablespoons powdered sugar (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Add the room-temperature butter to a mixing bowl, and mix on medium speed for 1 minute.

3. Add the white sugar into the butter, and mix on high speed for 2 minutes or until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.

4. Next, add in the powdered sugar, and mix on medium speed until the texture of the mixture resembles a buttercream.

5. Add in half the all-purpose flour, and mix on low speed until the flour is fully incorporated and a sticky dough forms.

6. Add in the remaining flour, along with any extracts, mix-ins or additional liquid flavorings and powdered sugar. Mix on low speed until the cookie dough comes together.

7. Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes.

8. On a lightly floured surface, use a floured rolling pin to roll out the dough to about 1/3-inch thickness. Use a cookie cutter to cut the cookie dough into your desired shape.

9. Cover a non-stick baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the cookie cut outs onto the baking sheet and bake for 7 minutes.

10. Remove the cookies from the oven, and allow to cool. Dip in a glaze or make cookie sandwiches filled with frosting (if desired). Enjoy!