Brown Sugar Shortbread Cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that melts in your mouth, you’re going to love these Brown Sugar Shortbread Cookies! They are wonderfully simple yet incredibly flavorful, making them perfect for busy weeknights or special family gatherings. The combination of buttery goodness and rich brown sugar makes each bite a comforting experience. Plus, they require just six easy-to-find ingredients!

This recipe has a special place in my heart because it’s so approachable. You don’t even need a rolling pin, and they come together in one bowl! Whether you’re baking for a cozy night at home or sharing with friends at a potluck, these cookies will surely be a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super Easy to Make: With just six ingredients and no fancy tools required, you can whip these up quickly!
• Perfectly Delicious: The brown sugar adds a lovely caramel flavor that takes these cookies to the next level.
• Make Ahead Convenience: These cookies chill beautifully in the fridge—perfect for prepping ahead of time.
• Family-Friendly Treat: Kids will love helping out in the kitchen, making these cookies a fun family activity.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are not only simple but also wholesome! You probably have most of them in your pantry already. Gather these goodies for your Brown Sugar Shortbread Cookies:

• 3/4 cup (12 Tbsp; 170g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 cup (200g) packed light or dark brown sugar
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 2 and 1/4 cups (281g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (100g) coarse sugar (such as Sugar in the Raw)

Variations

What I love about this Brown Sugar Shortbread Cookies recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to mix things up based on your taste preferences or what you have on hand.

• Add Some Spice: Consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor.
• Incorporate Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts can add crunch and richness—just fold them into the dough!
• Chocolate Lovers Unite: Mix in some chocolate chips or chunks for an extra indulgent treat.
• Go Citrus Fresh: Zest some lemon or orange into the dough for a refreshing citrus twist.

How to Make Brown Sugar Shortbread Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl using a handheld mixer or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the unsalted butter and brown sugar together on medium-high speed until completely smooth and creamy. This step is crucial as it creates air pockets that make your cookies tender. Don’t forget to add in the pure vanilla extract and beat until well combined!

Step 2: Bring It All Together

Next, add the all-purpose flour and salt. Beat on low speed until incorporated. Then, increase the speed to medium-high and mix until the dough comes together. If your mixture seems crumbly after mixing, don’t worry! Just pour it onto your work surface and use your hands to bring it together. Sometimes I need to do this too!

Step 3: Shape Your Dough

With lightly floured hands, divide the dough into two equal portions. Shape each half into an 8-inch log. This gives your cookies their classic shape!

Step 4: Coat with Coarse Sugar

Pour some coarse sugar onto a plate. Roll each log in the sugar until fully coated. This step adds an appealing texture and sweetness on the outside of your cookies.

Step 5: Chill Out!

Wrap each log tightly in plastic wrap and chill them in the refrigerator for at least four hours (or overnight if you like). Chilling is important because it helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.

Step 6: Preheat & Prepare

When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats—they help prevent sticking!

Step 7: Slice & Bake

Remove logs from the refrigerator and slice each log into twelve equally thick cookies. Place them on your prepared baking sheets about two inches apart. Bake for 14–16 minutes until set and lightly browned around the edges—be careful not to over-bake!

Step 8: Cool & Enjoy!

Let your freshly baked cookies cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Once cooled completely, enjoy them fresh or store any leftovers at room temperature for up to one week! After day one, they’ll still be delicious but will have a crunchier texture.

Happy baking! Enjoy these delightful Brown Sugar Shortbread Cookies with friends and family—you’ll cherish this recipe forever!

Pro Tips for Making Brown Sugar Shortbread Cookies

Baking can be a wonderfully rewarding experience, and these tips will help ensure your brown sugar shortbread cookies turn out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature butter: This allows the butter to cream more easily with the brown sugar, creating a smooth and fluffy texture that’s essential for buttery shortbread.
• Chill the dough: Don’t skip the chilling step! Chilling helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking and enhances their flavor. Overnight chilling is ideal for maximum taste.
• Measure flour correctly: Spoon and level your flour instead of scooping directly from the bag. This prevents adding too much flour, which can lead to dry cookies.
• Watch the baking time: Keep a close eye on your cookies as they bake. They should be set and lightly browned around the edges. Over-baking can lead to hard cookies instead of tender, crumbly treats.
• Experiment with flavors: Feel free to add your favorite spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or even mix in some chopped nuts or chocolate chips for a twist on this classic recipe!

How to Serve Brown Sugar Shortbread Cookies

These delightful cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging yourself. Presenting them beautifully will make them even more inviting!

Garnishes

• Dust with powdered sugar: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds an elegant touch and a hint of sweetness that complements the rich flavor of the cookies.
• Drizzle with melted chocolate: A simple drizzle of dark or white chocolate elevates these cookies to gourmet status and adds a delicious contrast in flavor.

Side Dishes

• Fresh berries: Serve alongside a bowl of mixed fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. Their tartness balances the sweetness of the cookies beautifully.
• Vanilla ice cream: Pairing these cookies with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream creates a delightful dessert experience that’s both warm and cool.
• Coffee or tea: Enjoy your shortbread cookies with a steaming cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat. The warmth enhances the buttery flavor of the cookies.
• Fruit compote: A side of homemade fruit compote can add a refreshing burst of flavor that complements the richness of the shortbread wonderfully.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your brown sugar shortbread cookies will not only taste amazing but also look irresistible! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Brown Sugar Shortbread Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a batch ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy these delightful treats whenever you want.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
• They will remain fresh for up to 1 week.
• For best texture, consume within the first few days.

Freezing

• Wrap each log of cookie dough tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
• Place wrapped logs in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months.
• To bake frozen cookies, slice them while still frozen and add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

• If you’d like to enjoy warm cookies, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
• Place cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Brown Sugar Shortbread Cookies.

Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar in shortbread cookies?

Yes! In fact, this recipe is designed specifically for Brown Sugar Shortbread Cookies, which gives them that delightful caramel-like flavor.

How do I know when my Brown Sugar Shortbread Cookies are done baking?

Look for a light golden color around the edges. They should be set but slightly soft in the center; remember not to over-bake!

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to my shortbread cookies?

Absolutely! You can customize your Brown Sugar Shortbread Cookies by adding your favorite ingredients. Just fold them into the dough before chilling it.

What is the secret to making shortbread cookies crumbly?

The key is using cold butter and not over-mixing the dough. This helps achieve that signature crumbly texture we all love!

Final Thoughts

These Brown Sugar Shortbread Cookies are not just a treat; they carry warmth and nostalgia with every bite. With their simple ingredients and easy preparation, they are sure to become a beloved staple in your home. I hope you find joy in making these delightful cookies as much as I do! Happy baking!