My husband and I love to have afternoon tea and this classic shortbread is my favorite tea time recipe. It’s the perfect accent to your favorite cup of tea, or even glass of iced tea during those hot summer days. While I’ve been known to enjoy a wide variety of teas, my current favorite tea is ToLife White Tea from Teavana.
I hope you enjoy this classic shortbread recipe that is rich, buttery and melts in your mouth.
Decoration alternatives: I like Wilton Sparkling Sugar, since it has a larger granule than regular granulated table sugar. Regular granulated sugar can also be used, but has a finer texture than shown in the photo. I also have used colored sugar for a holiday decorating alternative.

Classic Shortbread
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter softened
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar I prefer Wilton Sparkling Sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Beat butter and powered sugar until well combined and fluffy, with electric mixer.
- Add flour, baking powder and salt to butter and sugar mixture; beat until combined.
- Press dough into an 8 x 8 inch ungreased baking dish.
- Prick the top of the dough with a fork and sprinkle with the granulated sugar.
- Bake in 350 degree preheated over for 25 minutes, or until lightly browned.
- Cut in 25 even pieces (this will be a 5 by 5 grid) and enjoy with your favorite tea.
balanced diet says
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Byron Thomas says
I have been looking for a good shortbread cookie recipe for so long! Thanks for posting this!
Angela - Patisserie Makes Perfect says
This looks delicious. I love afternoon tea too and a good shortbread with a cup of tea. This is wonderful.
Raquel says
It has been a while since I have had a good shortbread cookie! These look so tasty and uncomplicated. Happy weekend!
Just Jo says
Who doesn’t love shortbread? I keep meaning to try it totally gluten free and I must. Makes me yearn for a cuppa looking at these!
CiaoFlorentina says
Just what I needed ! I am a shortbread Freak, I can walk away from cakes and pies and all the sweets, but shortbread ? Never ! Yummy !
Renee says
I love shortbread and look forward to trying your recipe! Looks delicious!
Marissa @ OMG FOOD says
Gorgeous photo! I love a good shortbread cookie; I’ll have to make these! Thanks for sharing the recipe. <3
Howie Fox says
It really looks like an easy going, delicious, not too much pastry for the afternoon tea. Really nice. I’m a huge afternoon tea fan myself (being from Ostfriesland). Will keep this one in mind, thanks! 🙂
Shivani Saxena says
Great looking dish!
Dawn @ Words Of Deliciousness says
I love shortbread, this sounds delicious.
Katrin says
My husband would finish these off in a flash! They look delicious
Elaine @ Dishes Delish says
Shortbread is one of my favorites. Yummy recipe. Thank you for sharing.
Christine says
I love shortbread cookies, but have never made them. I’ll have to give these a try sometime!
Carol Borchardt says
Yum! So easy and so delicious!
ashok says
My Family Loved it. I am definitely sharing Guys, Thanks For sharing this Great Recipe. this recipe and this website with my friend. Hope they also love it. Thank you again for sharing such a great recipe.