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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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