Iced Shortbread Cookies

Name: Iced Shortbread Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (2 sticks); 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; ½ cup powdered sugar; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 3 tablespoons milk (as needed); 1 ½ cups powdered sugar (for icing) + 2 tablespoons milk; Red or pink food coloring; Sprinkles of choice

By:

Thomas

Published:

December 28, 2025

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Iced Shortbread Cookies are a delightful treat that anyone can enjoy, whether you’re a baking novice or a seasoned pro. These cookies bring happiness to any gathering with their simple yet satisfying flavor. The buttery base pairs perfectly with a sweet icing, making each bite feel just right. As you embark on this baking adventure, think of all the smiles these cookies will bring to friends and family.

Not only are Iced Shortbread Cookies fun to make, but they also provide a canvas for your creativity. You can customize them with colors and decorations for any occasion. From birthday parties to holiday celebrations, these cookies will be the star of the show. So, gather your ingredients, and let’s get started on making some delicious treats that will definitely impress everyone!

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe works by striking the perfect balance between buttery richness and sweetness. Using a blend of high-quality ingredients ensures that the flavor shines through. The chilling step is crucial, as it helps maintain the shape and texture of the cookies, preventing them from spreading too much during baking. This way, you end up with beautifully shaped, perfectly baked treats that are ready for icing.

Additionally, the icing complements the cookies wonderfully, enhancing both appearance and taste. Plus, the simplicity of the method makes it accessible to bakers of all levels. It creates a fun and rewarding experience, giving you cookies that look good and taste even better.

Why You’ll Love This Iced Shortbread Cookies

You’ll love these Iced Shortbread Cookies for many reasons. First, they are incredibly easy to make; with just a few ingredients, you have a cookie that feels special. The buttery flavor and soft texture are sure to please anyone, from kids to adults.

Moreover, the customizing possibilities are endless! Adjust colors, add sprinkles, or change the flavor of the icing to match the season or occasion. Each batch can be unique, making every baking session fun and exciting! The joy of sharing these cookies with others only adds to their charm.

Ingredients for Iced Shortbread Cookies

1 cup unsalted butter, softened (2 sticks)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
½ cup powdered sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons milk (as needed)
1 ½ cups powdered sugar (for icing) + 2 tablespoons milk
Red or pink food coloring
Sprinkles of choice

The Perfect Iced Shortbread Cookie Base

Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step is important because it keeps the cookies from sticking and ensures they bake evenly.

Cream the Butter and Vanilla

In a large mixing bowl, add the softened butter. Using a stand mixer or a hand mixer, beat it on medium-high speed for about 30 seconds. You want it fluffy. Once it’s light and airy, mix in the pure vanilla extract for that delicious flavor.

Incorporate Sugars and Flour

Next, lower the mixer speed. Gradually add the ½ cup powdered sugar to the butter mixture, followed by the 2 cups of all-purpose flour. Mix until it becomes fully combined. Don’t forget to stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to make sure everything is mixed well.

Achieve the Right Dough Consistency

Add milk one tablespoon at a time to the dough. You want the mixture to hold together and form a ball. This step is key to getting the right texture for your cookies.

Roll and Cut the Dough

Now, lightly flour your surface and roll out the dough to a thickness of about ¼ inch. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out fun shapes. Place the cut cookies onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them.

Chill for Shape Retention

It’s time to chill! Put the cookie sheet in the freezer for about 15 minutes. This crucial step helps keep the cookies from losing their shape while they bake.

Bake the Cookies

After they’ve chilled, bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes in your preheated oven. Look for slightly golden bottoms, which means your cookies are perfectly baked.

Cool Before Decorating

Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet. This prevents them from crumbling when you start icing them.

Creating the Perfect Icing

Mix the Icing Ingredients

While your cookies cool, it’s icing time! In a medium bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of milk. Use a whisk to blend until smooth. This will form the base for your icing.

Add Color to Your Icing

Next, you can add some fun! Incorporate a few drops of red or pink food coloring. Mix it thoroughly until you reach your desired shade.

Pipe the Icing

For easier application, transfer the icing to a piping bag or a plastic zip-top bag. If using a zip-top bag, snip a small opening in the corner to make icing your cookies much simpler.

Apply Icing and Sprinkles

Now comes the fun part! Decorate each cooled cookie with the icing as you like. Make sure to add sprinkles while the icing is still wet; this helps them stick and creates a festive look!

Set and Store

Allow the icing to set completely before storing your cookies. Once set, place them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. Proper storage prevents smudging, ensuring they stay looking beautiful.

Serving Suggestions

These iced shortbread cookies pair wonderfully with drinks like coffee, tea, or hot cocoa. They also make a great addition to any dessert platter. Serve them alongside fruit for a refreshing contrast.

Tips for Success

Make sure your butter is softened but not melted; this helps with mixing.
Don’t skip chilling the dough; it’s crucial for keeping your cookies’ shape.
Try out different shades of food coloring for a personalized touch!

Variations

Looking to shake things up? You could add lemon or almond extract to give your cookies a different flavor. Another fun twist is substituting part of the all-purpose flour with almond flour for a nutty crunch. Creating themed cookie decorations using various colors and sprinkles is always a hit, especially during holidays.

Storage Tips

To keep your iced shortbread cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll last about a week. If you want to make them ahead of time, you can freeze uniced cookies and decorate them later.

Pairing Ideas

These iced shortbread cookies are excellent alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fruit compote. They add a delightful sweetness and textured contrast to your desserts.

FAQs

1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, just remember to leave out any extra salt in your recipe to keep the flavor balanced.

2. How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour, and you’re good to go!

3. Can I make these cookies in advance?
Absolutely! Bake and store them, icing them just before serving for best results.

4. What’s the best way to store iced cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container to prevent drying out, ideally in a dry and cool place.

5. How can I make the icing thicker?
You can add more powdered sugar gradually until it reaches the consistency you want.

Enjoy making these delightful Iced Shortbread Cookies! Their blend of buttery crunch and sweet icing can brighten any occasion, turning simple moments into sweet memories. So, gather your loved ones, and get baking!