Save to Pinterest Honey Butter Shortbread Cookies are a classic British treat that melt effortlessly in your mouth, combining the richness of butter with a gentle sweetness from honey. Perfectly crisp yet tender, these cookies make a wonderful accompaniment to your afternoon tea or a thoughtful homemade gift to delight friends and family.
Save to Pinterest The luscious blend of honey and butter in these shortbread cookies offers a nostalgic warmth that fills the kitchen during baking. Their golden edges and delicate crumb invite you to savor every bite, making them a timeless favorite that’s easy to customize and enjoy.
Ingredients
- Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
- Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (60 g) powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) honey
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- 1. Preheat the oven
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- 2. Combine dry ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and salt; set aside.
- 3. Cream wet ingredients
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, powdered sugar, honey, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- 4. Mix dry into wet
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
- 5. Prepare dough
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead it together, then roll it out to about 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) thickness.
- 6. Cut shapes
- Cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters and place cookies 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- 7. Optional chilling
- Chill the cut cookies on the baking sheet for 10 minutes to help retain their shape during baking.
- 8. Bake
- Bake for 13–15 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden.
- 9. Cool
- Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For best results, make sure your butter is softened but not melted, as this helps create the perfect crumbly texture. Gently handling the dough and not overmixing keeps the shortbread tender. Chilling the cut cookies before baking ensures they keep their shape and bake evenly.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Try substituting half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and a heartier texture. You can drizzle the baked cookies with extra honey or dip them in melted chocolate for a delicious variation. Adjust baking time by 1–2 minutes for a crispier cookie.
Serviervorschläge
Serve these Honey Butter Shortbread Cookies alongside a warm cup of tea or coffee for a comforting teatime treat. They also make a charming addition to holiday cookie plates or packaged as a thoughtful homemade gift wrapped with a ribbon.
Save to Pinterest With patience and simple ingredients, these Honey Butter Shortbread Cookies bring a slice of British charm and homemade comfort to your kitchen. Enjoy the process and the delightful results as you share these melt-in-your-mouth treats with those you love.
Recipe FAQs
- → What gives these cookies their tender texture?
The combination of softened unsalted butter and careful mixing ensures a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- → Can I substitute any ingredients for dietary needs?
You can replace half the flour with whole wheat for a nuttier flavor, but note that these contain dairy and gluten.
- → How can I make the cookies crisper?
Baking 1 to 2 minutes longer helps achieve a crisper edge without sacrificing tenderness inside.
- → Is chilling the dough necessary before baking?
Chilling the cut cookies for 10 minutes helps retain shape but is optional if pressed for time.
- → What variations can enhance these cookies?
Try drizzling with extra honey or dipping in melted chocolate for added sweetness and texture contrast.