Heavenly Brown Sugar Shortbread Cookies Recipe for Sweet Bliss

Sweet memories often dance around my kitchen when I’m whipping up these delectable brown sugar shortbread cookies that melt like silk across your tongue.

Butter-rich dough carries a deep caramel essence from the carefully selected sugar.

Crisp edges promise a delightful crunch with every bite.

Soft centers whisper comfort and nostalgia in each delicate morsel.

Mediterranean bakers would marvel at this simple yet elegant treat that requires minimal ingredients.

Scottish tradition meets modern simplicity in this classic recipe that feels both rustic and refined.

A single batch will vanish faster than you can sprinkle powdered sugar on top, so consider making double.

Shortbread Cookies Keep Their Crumble in Tins

• Place cooled cookies in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Keep at room temperature for maximum 7 days.
• Wrap individual cookies or entire batch tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Store frozen cookies up to 3 months for best quality.
• Remove frozen cookies from freezer and let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. Cookies will return to original texture quickly.
• Keep cookies away from humid environments to preserve their crisp texture. Store in cool, dry spot with tight-sealing lid to prevent softening.

Sweet Picks For Shortbread Cookies

• Pair with Rich Caramel Espresso: Complement the brown sugar's deep sweetness with a bold, smooth espresso that highlights the cookie's rich buttery flavor. The coffee's robust notes will enhance the shortbread's delicate caramel undertones.
• Create Dessert Wine Magic: Select a late-harvest Riesling or Moscato d'Asti, which brings honeyed sweetness and gentle acidity that perfectly matches the cookie's tender crumb and brown sugar depth.
• Toast with Nutty Whiskey Cocktail: Mix a whiskey Old Fashioned with walnut bitters to echo the cookie's warm, toasty notes. The bourbon's caramel and vanilla hints will dance beautifully with the shortbread's brown sugar profile.
• Serve with Spiced Chai Latte: Brew a creamy chai with cardamom and cinnamon that mirrors the cookie's warm, comforting essence. The spices will complement the shortbread's buttery texture while adding delightful aromatic layers.

Buttery Versions of Brown Sugar Shortbread Cookies

• Gluten-Free Shortbread: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend like almond or rice flour, ensuring equal measurements and adding xanthan gum for better texture.
• Vegan Brown Sugar Cookies: Swap butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine, using plant-based brown sugar and ensuring all ingredients are dairy-free.
• Nutty Chocolate Chip Version: Fold in chopped pecans or dark chocolate chips into the dough before chilling, adding extra crunch and rich flavor complexity.
• Spiced Shortbread Variation: Mix ground cinnamon, cardamom, or ginger into the flour for a warm, aromatic cookie with subtle seasonal undertones.

FAQs

• Why use brown sugar instead of white sugar?

Brown sugar adds deeper caramel notes and moisture, creating a richer flavor and softer texture in shortbread cookies compared to white sugar.

• Can I use salted butter in this recipe?

While unsalted butter is recommended for better salt control, you can use salted butter and reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe.

• How thick should I slice the cookie logs?

Aim for about 1/2-inch thick slices to ensure even baking and consistent cookie size. Use a sharp knife and slice with steady, gentle pressure.

• What does rolling the logs in coarse sugar do?

Coarse sugar creates a delightful crunchy exterior and adds a sparkling, decorative finish to the shortbread cookies, enhancing both texture and appearance.

What Brown Sugar Shortbread Cookies Offer In Every Bite

• Boost Flavor with Brown Sugar: Deep, rich caramel-like sweetness elevates these shortbread cookies beyond traditional recipes, creating a more complex and satisfying taste profile.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare dough logs up to 5 days in advance and store in refrigerator, allowing busy home bakers to have fresh cookies ready within minutes of baking, perfect for spontaneous sweet cravings.
• Quick Baking Triumph: Simple ingredient list and straightforward mixing technique mean even novice bakers can achieve professional-looking cookies in under 30 minutes of active preparation time, with minimal kitchen skills required.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Elegant enough for afternoon tea, casual enough for family gatherings, and simple enough for beginner bakers – these brown sugar shortbread cookies adapt beautifully to multiple occasions and skill levels.

Brown Sugar Shortbread Dough Elements

• Butter: Provides rich, creamy base and helps create tender texture. Best when unsalted and at room temperature.
• Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel-like sweetness and moisture. Dark brown sugar offers more intense flavor.

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates cookie structure and provides proper texture. Unbleached flour recommended for best results.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness. Fine sea salt works best.

• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, classic flavor. Pure vanilla extract preferred over artificial versions.
• Coarse Sugar: Creates crispy exterior and adds delightful crunch. Turbinado or raw sugar ideal for coating.

How To Bake Brown Sugar Shortbread Cookies

Step 1: Whip Creamy Butter Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, grab your electric mixer with a paddle attachment.

Whip the butter and brown sugar together, blending at medium-high speed until the mixture becomes silky smooth and creamy.

Pour in the vanilla extract and mix until everything combines perfectly.

Step 2: Create Tender Dough

• All-purpose flour
• Salt

Mix on low speed until ingredients are fully incorporated.

Gradually increase to medium-high speed, continuing until the dough comes together.

If the dough looks crumbly, gently press it with your hands or sprinkle a few water droplets to help bind the mixture.

Step 3: Shape and Chill Cookie Logs

Divide the dough into two equal portions.

Roll each portion into a smooth 8-inch long log.

Generously roll the logs in coarse sugar, ensuring complete coverage.

Wrap each log tightly in plastic wrap.

Refrigerate for minimum 4 hours or up to 5 days for optimal flavor development.

Step 4: Bake Golden Cookies

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.

Slice the chilled logs into 12 even cookies per log.

Place cookies on baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.

Bake for 14-16 minutes until edges turn light golden brown.

Step 5: Cool and Store

Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.

Transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature.

These delightful treats remain fresh for up to one week, with texture becoming slightly crunchier after the first day.

Cookie Tips For Buttery Brown Sugar Texture

• Let butter sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing to ensure smooth, creamy consistency without overheating.
• If dough seems crumbly, sprinkle a few drops of cold water and gently knead to help bind ingredients without making it too wet.
• Roll logs in coarse sugar for extra crunch and sparkling texture that adds delightful contrast to the soft cookie interior.
• Use a sharp knife and gentle sawing motion to create uniform cookie slices, ensuring consistent baking and professional appearance.
• Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes first, then transfer to wire rack to prevent breaking and maintain crisp edges.

Brown Sugar Shortbread Cookies Recipe

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4.6 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Indulgent Brown Sugar Shortbread Cookies melt in your mouth with rich caramel notes and buttery goodness. Crisp edges and tender centers promise a delightful Scottish-inspired treat you’ll savor with every delicate bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup (200 g) packed light or dark brown sugar
• 2 1/4 cups (281 g) all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup (12 tablespoons; 170 g) unsalted butter, softened

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For Rolling:

• 1/2 cup (100 g) coarse sugar (e.g., Sugar in the Raw)

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Instructions

1. Mix softened butter and brown sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the shortbread. Incorporate vanilla extract and blend thoroughly.
2. Gradually add flour and salt to the butter mixture, initially mixing on low speed to prevent flour from scattering. Transition to medium-high speed, allowing the dough to consolidate into a cohesive mass. If the dough appears crumbly, gently press it together with your hands or sprinkle minimal water to enhance binding.
3. Separate the dough into two symmetric cylindrical logs, ensuring each measures approximately 8 inches long. Carefully roll each log in coarse sugar, establishing a delicate, crystalline exterior.
4. Wrap the sugar-coated logs securely in plastic wrap, then refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours. This chilling process helps solidify the dough and intensify flavor development.
5. Heat the oven to 350°F and prepare baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Cut the chilled logs into 12 uniform slices, positioning them with sufficient spacing to prevent merging during baking.
6. Bake the cookies until the edges transform into a delicate golden brown, typically requiring 14-16 minutes. Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to stabilize their structure.
7. Transfer cookies to a wire cooling rack, permitting them to reach room temperature. Store in an airtight container, where they will maintain optimal texture for approximately one week.

Notes

• Customize sugar coating by rolling logs in turbinado, demerara, or raw sugar for extra crunch and caramelized flavor.
• Replace vanilla extract with almond or maple extract to create unique flavor variations that complement the brown sugar’s richness.
• Ensure butter is softened but not melted for optimal dough texture, allowing smooth blending without compromising cookie structure.
• Adjust baking time slightly for softer or crispier cookies depending on personal preference, watching edges for light golden-brown coloration.

• Prep Time: 4 hours 30 minutes (includes chilling time)
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 20mg