Shortbread Cookie Bars
Shortbread cookie bars are the perfect treat to bring a touch of sweetness to your day. These bars have a delightful crumbly texture, making them an ideal option for everything from afternoon tea to late-night snacks.
With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can whip up an irresistible dessert that melts in your mouth.
Whether you’re sharing them with friends or indulging in them yourself, these easy-to-make shortbread cookie bars are bound to become a favorite!
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Servings: 12 bars
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 180
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fat: 9g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 40mg
Why I Love This Shortbread Cookie Bars
I love these shortbread cookie bars because they remind me of cozy afternoons spent sipping tea and sharing stories with loved ones.
The buttery flavor combined with the hint of vanilla creates a comforting experience that warms the heart. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make—perfect for when you want a quick, satisfying dessert without the fuss.
Whether enjoyed on their own or with a scoop of ice cream, these bars are simply delightful!
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
How to Make Shortbread Cookie Bars
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan to ensure your bars come out smoothly.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes of mixing. Then, stir in the vanilla extract for that rich flavor.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Gradually blend in the flour and salt until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want the dough to remain tender.
Step 4: Press the Dough into the Pan
Press the dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan. Make sure it’s smooth and reaches the corners.
Step 5: Bake the Bars
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-baking, as you want them soft and tender.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Once baked, allow the bars to cool in the pan. Once cool, slice them into even bars and enjoy your delicious creation!
Tips & Variations
- Serving Suggestions: These shortbread cookie bars are fantastic served warm with a cup of tea or coffee. Try sprinkling powdered sugar on top for a lovely presentation!
- Storage: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months—just ensure they are well wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
- Diet Swaps: For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. You can also use coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar for a lower glycemic option.
- Flavor Variations: Add chocolate chips, lemon zest, or chopped nuts to customize the flavor to your liking!
Delicious Variations
If you love these shortbread cookie bars, try out these other delightful treats:
- Classic Butter Cookies: These tender cookies are rich and buttery, perfect for any occasion.
- Coconut Macaroons: Sweet and chewy, these coconut cookies are dipped in chocolate for extra indulgence.
- Lemon Bars: A tart and refreshing dessert with a crisp cookie crust, ideal for summer gatherings.
- Oatmeal Cookie Bars: Soft and chewy, loaded with oats and your choice of add-ins like raisins or chocolate.
Serving Suggestions for Shortbread Cookie Bars
These shortbread cookie bars are best served at room temperature, allowing their buttery texture to shine.
They pair beautifully with tea or coffee, making them an excellent choice for afternoon snacks or dessert after dinner. For an indulgent treat, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
Storage and Leftovers
Store any leftover shortbread cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the bars for up to 3 months.
Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe container. To enjoy, simply thaw them in the fridge or at room temperature—no need to reheat!
Helpful Questions
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but you may want to reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe.What if my dough is too crumbly?
If the dough is too crumbly, try mixing in a teaspoon of cold water to bring it together.Can I add chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips can add a delicious twist to your shortbread bars.Is it necessary to cool them before slicing?
Yes, allowing the bars to cool will help them set and make for cleaner cuts.Can I make these ahead of time?
Definitely! These bars store well, making them a great make-ahead dessert for gatherings.
Enjoy baking these easy and scrumptious shortbread cookie bars, and watch them become a quick favorite in your home!
Print
Shortbread Cookie Bars
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful and crumbly shortbread cookie bars perfect for an afternoon tea or late-night snack.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually blend in the flour and salt until just combined.
- Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow the bars to cool in the pan before slicing into even bars.
Notes
Serve warm with tea or coffee. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
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