Ina Garten Shortbread Cookies are buttery, crisp and melt in your mouth. This Ina Garten Shortbread Cookies Recipe is easy to make at home with simple ingredients.
The cookies are lightly golden, tender and perfect for tea, coffee, or holiday treats. You can shape them into fingers, rounds, or any design you like.
In this blog, I will show you how to make Ina Garten Shortbread Cookies step by step. I will also share tips, serving ideas, and answer common questions. The ingredients for Ina Garten Shortbread Cookies are simple and easy to find.
My Experience With This Recipe
I first baked Ina Garten’s shortbread cookies during the holidays. The aroma of butter and sugar filled my kitchen. The cookies baked evenly with a crisp texture on the outside and a tender, buttery inside.
My family loved them immediately and asked for more. I enjoy this recipe because it is simple, yet the result feels elegant and bakery-quality.
These cookies are perfect for gifting or enjoying with a warm cup of tea. I know you will enjoy this recipe as much as I do.
Recipe Card Info
- Recipe Name: Ina Garten Shortbread Cookies
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Course: Dessert / Snack
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 150 kcal per cookie
Equipment List
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
- Knife or cookie cutter
Ingredients You Need for Ina Garten Shortbread Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: 2 tbsp granulated sugar for sprinkling
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with sugar until light and fluffy using a hand or stand mixer.
3. Add Vanilla
Mix in vanilla extract until fully combined with the butter and sugar mixture for a sweet, aromatic base.
4. Combine Flour and Salt
In another bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Gradually add to the butter mixture, stirring gently to form dough.
5. Form the Dough
Mix until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender and light.
6. Shape the Cookies
Roll dough into a log or press into a rectangle. Slice into even rounds or shape with cookie cutters as desired.
7. Place on Baking Sheet
Arrange cookies on the prepared baking sheet. Leave space between cookies for even baking.
8. Sprinkle Sugar
Optional: Lightly sprinkle sugar on top for added sweetness and a sparkling finish.
9. Bake the Cookies
Bake for 18–20 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Avoid overbaking to keep cookies tender inside.
10. Cool and Serve
Remove cookies from oven. Let them cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Recipe Tips
- Use room temperature butter for easy mixing.
- Don’t overbake to keep cookies tender.
- Chill dough slightly for cleaner shapes.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon for a warm flavor twist.
- Store in an airtight container to keep cookies crisp.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 |
| Carbs | 18g |
| Protein | 1g |
| Fat | 8g |
| Fiber | 0.5g |
Serving Suggestions
These shortbread cookies are perfect with tea, coffee or hot chocolate. They also pair well with fruit preserves or a drizzle of chocolate. Ideal for holiday platters, gifting or afternoon snacks.
Best Sides To Serve With
- Hot tea or coffee
- Hot chocolate
- Fruit preserves or jam
- Chocolate drizzle
- Fresh berries
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- For longer storage, freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months.
- Reheat slightly in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes if desired.
- Avoid refrigerating as cookies may lose crispness.
- Keep cookies separate with parchment layers to prevent sticking.
Ina Garten Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: 2 tbsp granulated sugar for sprinkling
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy removal.
Cream Butter and Sugar
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with sugar until light and fluffy using a hand or stand mixer.
Add Vanilla
- Mix in vanilla extract until fully combined with the butter and sugar mixture for a sweet, aromatic base.
Combine Flour and Salt
- In another bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Gradually add to the butter mixture, stirring gently to form dough.
Form the Dough
- Mix until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender and light.
Shape the Cookies
- Roll dough into a log or press into a rectangle. Slice into even rounds or shape with cookie cutters as desired.
Place on Baking Sheet
- Arrange cookies on the prepared baking sheet. Leave space between cookies for even baking.
Sprinkle Sugar
- Optional: Lightly sprinkle sugar on top for added sweetness and a sparkling finish.
Bake the Cookies
- Bake for 18–20 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Avoid overbaking to keep cookies tender inside.
Cool and Serve
- Remove cookies from oven. Let them cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter for easy mixing.
- Don’t overbake to keep cookies tender.
- Chill dough slightly for cleaner shapes.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon for a warm flavor twist.
- Store in an airtight container to keep cookies crisp.
FAQs About Ina Garten Shortbread Cookies
1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, prepare dough and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before shaping and baking.
2. Can I use salted butter?
Yes, reduce added salt to ¼ tsp to avoid overly salty cookies.
3. Can I add flavors to the dough?
Yes, lemon zest, almond extract, or cinnamon can be added for a unique flavor twist.
4. Can I use cookie cutters instead of slicing?
Yes, cookie cutters work well. Chill dough slightly before cutting to prevent sticking.
5. How do I keep cookies crisp?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature with parchment layers to maintain crispness.
Conclusion
This Ina Garten Shortbread Cookies Recipe is simple, buttery, and perfect for any occasion. Now you know how to make Ina Garten Shortbread Cookies with easy steps and basic ingredients.
The tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies are ideal for tea, coffee, or gifting. Use the ingredients for Ina Garten Shortbread Cookies listed above and follow the steps for perfect results every time. Your family and friends will love these classic, elegant cookies.
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Sara Collins is a food blogger at TastyDive. She shares simple and family-friendly recipes made with everyday ingredients. Her mission is to help home cooks enjoy tasty meals without stress.
