Vanilla Frosted Shortbread Cookies are a delightful treat that combines buttery, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread with a sweet and creamy vanilla frosting. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are not only simple to make but also a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a party, celebrating a birthday, or just indulging in a sweet snack, this recipe will surely satisfy your cravings. With a few basic ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll have a batch of delicious cookies ready to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for frosting)
- 2 tablespoons milk (for frosting)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
- Sprinkles (optional, for decoration)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes. Add in the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
Step 3: Chill the Dough
Divide the dough into two equal portions, shape them into discs, and wrap each in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until firm. Chilling the dough helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
Step 4: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Roll and Cut the Cookies
Once the dough is chilled, remove it from the refrigerator. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Make the Frosting
In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if necessary.
Step 8: Frost the Cookies
Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread a generous amount of frosting on top of each cookie. If desired, add sprinkles for an extra festive touch.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but you may want to reduce the added salt in the recipe to balance the flavors.
How do I store leftover cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to three months.
Can I add flavors to the frosting?
Absolutely! You can customize the frosting by adding cocoa powder for chocolate frosting or other extracts like almond or lemon for a different flavor profile.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky, try chilling it for a bit longer or adding a small amount of flour until it reaches the desired consistency.