Melt-in-Your-Mouth Shortbread Recipe

Instructions

1. Preheat oven:
   325°F (165°C).

2. Cream the butter:
   Beat softened butter until smooth and creamy.

3. Add sugar:
   Mix in powdered sugar until light and fluffy.

4. Add flour:
   Add flour (and salt if using) and mix just until the dough comes together.
   Do not overmix — that keeps the texture tender.

5. Shape the cookies:

   • Roll dough into 1-inch balls and flatten gently with a fork
     OR

   • Press dough into an 8×8 pan for bars and score into squares

6. Bake:
   Bake 12–15 minutes for cookies, or 30–35 minutes for a pan.
   Edges should be pale golden, not brown.

7. Cool:
   Let cool completely — they firm up as they rest.

Optional Add-Ins

• ½ cup mini chocolate chips

• Lemon zest or orange zest

• Drizzle of melted chocolate

• ¼ cup cornstarch (for even softer shortbread)