Description
These 4 Ingredient Shortbread Cookies deliver a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth treat with a simple ingredient list featuring plant-based butter and a natural gelling agent. Crispy yet tender, they are easy for beginners and loved by all cookie enthusiasts, perfect for pairing with tea, coffee, or grape juice for any day indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup plant-based butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Instructions
- Prep Your Ingredients: Begin by softening the plant-based butter until it’s easy to cream but still cool. Measure out your powdered sugar, flour, and natural gelling agent, ensuring everything is ready to mix.
- Mix the Butter and Sugar: Beat the softened plant-based butter with the powdered sugar until the mixture is light, creamy, and smooth. This step is key to achieving that wonderful melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and natural gelling agent. This ensures even distribution before adding it to your wet ingredients.
- Form the Dough: Gradually add the flour mixture to the creamed butter and sugar. Stir gently until the dough just comes together. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Shape and Chill: Shape the dough into a log or roll it out and cut into your favorite cookie shapes. Refrigerate the shaped dough for at least 30 minutes to firm up, making it easier to bake evenly.
- Bake Until Golden: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Bake the cookies on a parchment-lined tray for 15 to 20 minutes or until the edges turn a light golden color. Let them cool completely before enjoying.
Notes
- Perfect butter softness: Too soft butter will make your dough greasy; aim for a cool, soft consistency to maintain texture.
- Don’t skip chilling: Resting the dough keeps the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
- Use powdered sugar: It helps create a smoother cookie without any graininess.
- Handle with care: Overmixing develops gluten and makes the cookies tough instead of tender.
- Storage tip: Keep cookies in an airtight container to maintain their crispness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 15mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: shortbread, cookies, plant-based butter, natural gelling agent, easy recipe, gluten free, 4 ingredients, vegan-friendly
