Until recently, I didn’t have much interest in shortbread. It was always the Girl Scout cookie that looked the least fancy so I didn’t ever try it. I didn’t think that something so simple could actually be good- so I went with the chocolate covered, peanut butter, caramel laden cookies instead.
I actually don’t think I tried shortbread until a few years ago when I did a play with a girl from Scotland who brought some on opening night. I couldn’t get over how perfect it was! Melt in your mouth, not too sweet perfect. The cookie has an almost flaky texture with a buttery crumb that makes it that much more irresistible. I’d love to make a batch of these to eat alongside a coffee or tea.
Another reason I love this recipe is how simple it is to make. I can almost guarantee you have all the ingredients on the very short list at home already, which means these can be made in a matter of minutes. You can cut them into any shape you want, sprinkle on a little extra sugar and there you go. These can, of course be dipped into chocolate and sprinkled with things, or even stuffed with frosting or ice cream, but they are so great as is, I’m not sure it’s even necessary!
Oh also- these cookies are being sold as part of a Virtual Bake Sale sponsored by Erin at The Spiffy Cookie. All proceeds go to benefit animals in need so stop on over and made a bid on these or any of the other lovely treats!
Adapted slightly from: AllRecipes
Erin says
Mmm I want to sandwich peanut butter between two of them.
Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar says
What a fabulous idea! This sounds awesome.
amanda says
Shortbread is my favorite cookie ever! These look too good to resist!
Lisa @ Sweet 2 Eat Baking says
Oh, how could you deny the wonderful-ness that is shortbread. I agree, it looks so incredibly easy to make but in reality, it’s quite hard. According to the professionals, you have to combine the ingredients until only just combined. Anything over is classified as ‘overworked’. I’ve watched so many baking shows with people making shortbread for shows where they’re judged and always surprises me when they get marked down.
I really need to make some shortbread. Yours looks amazing and delicious. I love shortbread with a passion, it’s so incredibly tasty, all that butter (yum), and so crumbly and melt-in-the-mouth-delicious. I’ve seen people on said shows make lavender shortbread. Sounds aromaticly delicious, wouldn’t you agree.
Also, we don’t have Girl Scout Cookies this side of the pond so can’t comment on them but lots of my US friends rave about them, something about a tagalong cookie.
Im At Home Baking says
These look delicious and I’ve yet to tackle any kind of shortbread.
Priscilla M says
Oh, aren’t they look delicious and pretty? Great looking pictures, too :)
erica says
I always thought shortbread was so hard to make. I will definitely be trying this recipe out! Love your blog and I am your newest follower. xo
Cassie @ Bake Your Day says
I adore shortbread, and I think brown sugar shortbread is my favorite. Brown sugar is one of my favorite flavors in the world!
[email protected] says
I love shortbread. It’s one I tend to make only at Christmas because nobody else here likes it. I think though that I am making some for myself today :-)
healthyfoodietravels says
Beautiful! I lvoe shortbread, and brown sugar seems like a simple yet perfect twist on it :)
Claire Gallam10 says
How beautiful are these cookies?? I love them!
becca.looney says
Wow. I don’t think I’ve ever seen an ingredient list that short before. This is awesome! I’ve treid shortbread once before, but I didn’t really like it. However, I’m willing to give it another try, but only because I absolutely love brown sugar! :D
Samantha says
I have yet to try shortbread. Mostly I’m afraid mine will not live up the to expectations laid by my Scottish in-laws. Some day I will get my hands on Grandma Haddow’s recipe. It would be even more wonderful if we could track down her shortbread mold. Best of luck on the bake sale! What a wonderful cause.
Yasmeen says
Oh, I love a classic shortbread. Yours looks buttery and flaky, just how I love them! Cute little fork motif, too :)
Krissy's Creations says
Shortbread is one of my favorites! But I haven’t made them in so long. This will change very, very soon :)
nancymolszwski says
I’m willing to give it another try, but only because I absolutely love brown sugar! :D
http://goo.gl/6ZmDj
Five finicky eaters says
I have some molds begging to be used and this recipe would be perfect
Audra says
Ooh please get that recipe and share it with me! :)
Kelly says
I LOVE shortbread. I’ve actually been going through many shortbread recipes lately trying to find the perfect one. I just ran out of brown sugar yesterday, but I can’t wait to try these!
theharriedcook says
I’ve started using brown sugar in a lot more of my recipes.. this shortbread sounds awesome!
Kirra says
Hmmm, no salt at all? Or did you use salted butter? I love the idea of brown sugar for shortbread cookies, I’m just thinking that regular shortbreads I’ve made before have some saltiness to bring out that wonderful buttery flavor (And I always bake with unsalted butter).
Audra says
I agree that sweet and salty is amazing- but nope- no salt in these. I didn’t use salted butter either…