The Famous 3 Ingredient Shortbread Recipe (2024)

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The famous 3 ingredient shortbread recipe is the easiest melt-in-your-mouth shortbread you'll ever make... all you need is butter, plain flour and icing sugar!

The Famous 3 Ingredient Shortbread Recipe (1)

While this 3 ingredient shortbread is most well-known for being baked into sweet Christmas cookies, it's a simple recipe that can be enjoyed at any time of the year!

Whether you're baking for Christmas or simply filling the cookie tin or your little one's lunchboxes, this shortbread recipe is absolutely perfect.

The Famous 3 Ingredient Shortbread Recipe (2)

Why You're Going To Love The Famous 3 Ingredient Shortbread Recipe

Apart from the obvious fact that these crumbly, classic shortbread cookies are made from just 3 ingredients, here's a few more reasons why they're going to become favourites in your house:

  • egg free - my shortbread recipe contains absolutely NO egg making them a great option for those with egg allergies.
  • traditional taste - the classic melt-in-your-mouth crumbly shortbread texture and sweet subtle flavour is exactly what you get with this recipe!
  • no need for rice flour - most traditional shortbread recipes use rice flour but my recipe uses plain flour.

What You Need

If you're after the easiest and most basic shortbread recipe ever (that still melts in your mouth and tastes AMAZING)... this is the recipe for you!

All you need is:

Note: please scroll to the full recipe card at the bottom for ingredient quantities and the method

  • butter - you can use either salted or unsalted butter in this recipe.
  • plain flour - also known as all-purpose flour.
  • icing sugar - also known as confectioners sugar or powdered sugar.

..... 1...2...3.... so easy!

The Famous 3 Ingredient Shortbread Recipe (3)

How To Make Shortbread With 3 Ingredients

In just a couple of simple steps and less than 10 minutes, you'll have the perfect shortbread dough.

Note: please scroll to the full recipe card at the bottom for ingredient quantities and the method

Step 1 - Beat The Butter

Beat the butter until it's pale and creamy. You can use hand-held beaters, a stand-mixer or a Thermomix for this step.

The Famous 3 Ingredient Shortbread Recipe (4)
The Famous 3 Ingredient Shortbread Recipe (5)

Step 2 - Add The Icing Sugar & Flour

Slowly add in the sifted icing sugar and beat through.

Add the sifted plain flour and mix with the beaters on low.

TIP: For the best result, ensure that you sift the flour and icing sugar before using.

The Famous 3 Ingredient Shortbread Recipe (6)
The Famous 3 Ingredient Shortbread Recipe (7)

Step 3 - Knead Into A Ball & Chill

Gently knead and roll the mixture into a ball.

Wrap in plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.

Step 4 - Cut Into Shapes & Bake

Roll the dough out on a floured board or bench.

Cut into shapes using cookie cutters and bake.

The Famous 3 Ingredient Shortbread Recipe (8)

Tips For Making Shortbread:

  • Sift the icing sugar and plain flour - this ensures your dough is lump-free and perfectly combined.
  • Don't overwork the dough - simply mix through until combined.
  • Chill the dough before cooking - this ensures the cookies hold their shape when baked.
  • Don't overcook the shortbread - it should only just have a light tinge of colour once cooked. The cookies will firm up slightly as they cool.
The Famous 3 Ingredient Shortbread Recipe (9)

How To Store Shortbread

Once cooled, shortbread cookies can be stored at room temperature for up to 1 week.

Freezing Shortbread Dough

Uncooked shortbread dough can be rolled into a ball, wrapped in plastic wrap and frozen for up to 1 month.

Allow to defrost in the fridge before using.

Recipe FAQs

Is icing sugar the same as powdered sugar?

Yes it is! Here in Australia, it's known as icing sugar, but in other parts of the world it's referred to as confectioners sugar or powdered sugar.

How long do shortbread biscuits last?

You can store shortbread biscuits at room temperature for up to 1 week. They will last longer than that but will soften over time.

How do you know when the biscuits are ready?

The key to delicious shortbread biscuits is not to overcook them!
Simply bake until only just lightly golden. They will firm up on cooling.
If you overcook the biscuits, they'll lose their famous crumbly and melt-in-your-mouth texture!

Can you make shortbread ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the dough, roll it into a ball (or log), wrap in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month.
Defrost in the fridge (preferably overnight) before using.

What equipment do I need?

You will need either a stand-mixer, hand-held beaters or a Thermomix to prepare the dough. You'll also need an oven for baking the cookies.

Can you make shortbread without rice flour?

Absolutely! My 3 ingredient shortbread recipe is made from plain flour, icing sugar and butter.. that's it!

Can I make this shortbread recipe in my Thermomix?

Of course! All of our recipes can be made either conventionally or in a Thermomix.Please refer to my recipe card below for both sets of instructions.

Can this recipe be used to cut shapes out of the dough?

Yes! This shortbread recipe is perfect for cutting out Christmas shapes!

Can the 3 ingredient shortbread be given as a gift?

This recipe makes the perfect Christmas gift! Simply pop it into a glass jar or cellophane bag, seal it up and give it to a friend, neighbour or work colleague.

More Homemade Christmas Gift Recipes

Our 3 ingredient shortbread makes the perfect Christmas gift! But if you're after even more homemade Christmas recipe inspiration, click here to check out these delicious Christmas food gifts...

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The Famous 3 Ingredient Shortbread Recipe (11)

3 Ingredient Shortbread Recipe

The famous 3 ingredient shortbread recipe is the easiest melt-in-your-mouth shortbread you'll ever make... all you need is butter, plain flour and icing sugar!

5 from 386 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Cookies

Cuisine: western

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes

Chilling time: 30 minutes minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes minutes

Servings: 35 cookies

Calories: 123kcal

Author: Lucy - Bake Play Smile

Ingredients

  • 340 g (3 sticks) butter
  • 130 g (1 cup) icing sugar confectioners sugar or powdered sugar
  • 375 g (3 cups) plain flour all-purpose flour

Instructions

Conventional Method

  • Preheat oven to 160 degrees celsius (fan-forced). Line two large flat baking trays with baking paper and set aside.

  • Beat the butter in a large bowl using an electric mixer on medium until smooth (approximately 30 seconds).

  • Slowly add the icing sugar and continue mixing until well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.

  • Add the flour and mix on low speed until combined (please note that the mixture will be crumbly at this stage).

  • Gently knead the dough into a ball (but don't overwork it) and place into the fridge for at least 30 minutes to chill. Roll out to ½-1 cm thick. Use cookie cutters to cut the dough shapes out.

  • Place the shapes onto the prepared trays and bake for 12-15 minutes or until just very lightly golden (do not overcook).

  • Allow to cool on the trays for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Thermomix Method

  • Preheat oven to 160 degrees celsius (fan-forced). Line two large flat baking trays with baking paper and set aside.

  • Place the icing sugar into the Thermomix bowl and mix for 10 seconds, Speed 8. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and add the butter and plain flour.Mix for 10-15 seconds, Speed 6 and then for 1 minute on Interval/Knead function.

  • Gently knead the dough into a ball (but don't overwork it) and place into the fridge for at least 30 minutes to chill.

  • Roll out to ½-1 cm think and use cookie cutters to cut the dough shapes out.

  • Place the shapes onto the prepared trays and bake for 12-15 minutes or until just very lightly golden (do not overcook).

  • Allow to cool on the trays for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

RECIPE NOTES

Equipment -you can either use hand-held beaters, a stand mixer or a Thermomix for this recipe.

Sifting -sift the icing sugar and plain flour to remove any lumps.

Mixing - don’t overwork the dough, instead it should be gently folded and then pressed together.

Chilling - chill the dough before cooking to avoid shapes spreading when baked.

Testing the cookies - don’t overcook the shortbread cookies – they should only just have a light tinge of colour once cooked.

Storage - Once cooled, shortbread cookies can be stored at room temperature for up to 1 week. Alternatively, the uncooked dough can be rolled into a ball, wrapped in plastic wrap and frozen for up to 1 month.

Nutrition

Calories: 123kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 21mg | Sodium: 70mg | Potassium: 14mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 245IU | Calcium: 4mg | Iron: 0.5mg

Did you try this recipe?Mention @BakePlaySmileBlog or tag #BakePlaySmile!

The Famous 3 Ingredient Shortbread Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret to making 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 world's famous shortbread? ›

Walker's Shortbread is honoured to carry a Royal Warrant, granted by Her Majesty the Queen, for the supply of Shortbread and Oatcakes. Walker's Shortbread is a gift fit for a king, and a treat befitting any special occasion.

What's the difference between Scottish shortbread and regular shortbread? ›

As mentioned above, the main differences between the two styles of cookies are butter content and inclusion of leavening agents. These differences result in very different texture and taste experiences. No matter your preference, you can be sure to get a quality product from Walkers Shortbread.

What is traditional Scottish shortbread made from? ›

Shortbread or shortie is a traditional Scottish biscuit usually made from one part white sugar, two parts butter, and three to four parts plain wheat flour.

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 not to do when making shortbread? ›

The key with shortbread is not to overhandle it. Make the dough exactly as instructed, but don't mess around making shapes or over rolling the dough - you will end up with delicious but tough biscuits. Stretching and pulling the dough activates the gluten in the flour, making chewy cookies and not crisp ones.

Why is it called billionaire shortbread? ›

The name "millionaire's shortbread" appears to have originated in Scotland. The "millionaire" prefix to millionaire's shortbread or millionaires slice implies a level of decadence and wealth to the sweet treat, that it is an upgrade from regular shortbread.

Why is Walker shortbread so good? ›

It is only by baking in small batches that we can ensure that classic taste for which Walker's are famed. As it always has been, our shortbread is made using only four ingredients: flour, pure creamery butter, sugar and salt.

What do Americans call shortbread? ›

Shortbread isn't a bread, it's what we Americans call a cookie. It its homeland across the pond it's a biscuit. The short part of the name is because it's made with a dough rich in fat (preferably really good butter). This is called short dough.

What are the 3 traditional shapes of shortbread? ›

Shortbread is traditionally formed into one of three shapes: one large circle divided into segments (“Petticoat Tails”); individual round biscuits (“Shortbread Rounds”); or a thick rectangular slab cut into “fingers.”

How do you know when shortbread is done? ›

A good way to check to see if the shortbread is baked is to see if they are set - they will be slightly firm around the outside, and may be just beginning to turn golden around the edges. You want to keep them nice and pale so make sure your oven is running at the temperature it says that it is.

Why use unsalted butter in shortbread? ›

Unsalted butter is most commonly called for in baking recipes. Unsalted butter has a very neutral, creamy flavor—a great base for many baked goods. In baking, precise measurements are key for achieving the right flavor and texture. This even extends to small amounts of ingredients like salt.

What are the main ingredients in shortbread? ›

Put the flour, butter and sugar into a mixing bowl. Use your hands to combine the ingredients until the mixture looks like breadcrumbs, then squeeze until it comes together as a dough.

What is Cornish shortbread? ›

Cornish Clotted Cream Shortbread is an authentic Scottish shortbread recipe that uses clotted cream in addition to butter to make the most luxurious breakfast or tea time treat ever.

What does adding cornstarch to shortbread do? ›

A cornstarch shortbread cookie is a shortbread cookie that contains cornstarch along with all-purpose flour in the cookie dough. The cornstarch is used to give these buttery treats a crispy, melt-in-the-mouth texture. It also helps prevent the cookies from becoming too crumbly and breaking apart.

Should butter be cold when making shortbread? ›

Should butter be cold or room temperature for making shortbread? Always start with cold butter straight from the refrigerator. This will keep the dough from warming up, making it greasy and difficult to roll out.

Does shortbread use the rubbing in method? ›

Rubbing in butter and flour

Shape the dough into a round and then press into the tin, ensuring that all of the tin is evenly covered. Step 5: Chill the dough in the tin in the fridge for 30 minutes before baking.

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.

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