Go Back
+ servings
Print Recipe
No ratings yet

Vanilla Shortbread Sugar Cookies

No-spread shortbread cookie recipe that can be used for cut-out decorated cookies, or slice-and-bake cookies.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Resting Time4 hours
Total Time4 hours 30 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: cookies, cut out cookies, decorated cookies, lemon cookies, roll and cut cookies, shortbread, slice-and-bake, sugar cookies
Servings: 15 cookies
Calories: 226kcal
Author: Tyler April Townley

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter room temperature
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 large egg room temperature
  • 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Instructions

  • Whisk dry ingredients (flour and cornstarch) together and set aside.
  • Cream butter and sugars with paddle attachment, on medium-low speed, until fluffy and pale in color (about 5 minutes).
  • Add egg and extract and mix on low speed until thoroughly combined. Scrape down the paddle with a spatula, and then continue to mix on low speed for another 30 seconds to ensure everything is fully incorporated.
  • Add dry ingredients, all at once, and mix on low speed just until dough starts to come together and no dry bits remain. Do not overmix.
  • Turn out dough onto cling wrap, wrap tightly, and refrigerate overnight (or at least 4 hours).
  • Knead, roll, cut out cookies, and return to fridge or freezer until firm.  Leave a couple inches between cookies.
  • Bake at 350° for ~15 minutes, turn pan, and bake for another 1-5 minutes until edges are starting to turn a golden brown.
  • Remove from oven and allow to fully cool on cookie sheet before handling.

Notes

  • The reason for adding 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch to your dough is to prevent your cookies from shrinking or spreading during baking.
  • If making slice-and-bake cookies, split dough in half, roll into logs, wrap tightly in cling wrap or parchment paper, and refrigerate before slicing and baking. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1cookie | Calories: 226kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 45mg | Sodium: 7mg | Potassium: 32mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 396IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 9mg | Iron: 1mg