Delicious Honey-Sweetened Shortbread Cookies - An Easy Recipe! (2024)

Why should I make this honey shortbread recipe?

Natural Sweetness: The use of honey as a sweetener adds a natural and distinct sweetness to the shortbread, offering a healthier alternative to refined sugars.
Buttery Goodness: Shortbread is known for its rich, buttery flavor and crumbly texture, making it a delightful treat for anyone who loves buttery baked goods.
Simple Ingredients: With just a handful of basic ingredients like butter, honey, flour, and salt, this recipe is straightforward and doesn't require any fancy or hard-to-find items.
Versatile Shapes: Whether you use cookie cutters for fun shapes or simply slice the dough into squares or rectangles, these cookies are versatile and perfect for any occasion.
Customizable Sweetness: You can adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of honey used, allowing you to tailor the recipe to your preferred level of sweetness.
Pairs Well: These shortbread cookies complement various beverages, such as tea, coffee, or hot chocolate, making them an excellent accompaniment for cozy gatherings or afternoon treats.
Homemade Delight: Homemade treats always carry an extra touch of love and care. Sharing these cookies with friends and family makes for a thoughtful and delightful gesture.
Kid-Friendly Baking: Simple recipes like this are great for involving kids in the kitchen. They can help with rolling out the dough and using cookie cutters, making it a fun family activity.
Gifting Option: Packaged in a lovely box or tin, these shortbread cookies make a wonderful homemade gift for birthdays, holidays, or special occasions.
Easily Customizable: While this recipe uses honey, you can also add in additional flavors like vanilla extract, citrus zest, or even a sprinkle of spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to personalize the taste.

How many cookies does this make?

The number of cookies this recipe yields can vary based on the size and shape of your cutters or how you portion the dough. However, generally, this recipe should make about 20-24 medium-sized cookies when using standard cookie cutters or slicing into squares or rectangles. If you use smaller cutters, you might get more cookies, and larger ones may result in fewer cookies. Adjust the size and thickness of the cookies to suit your preference and anticipate the yield accordingly.

What's the Prep and Baking Time for this recipe?

What are some recipe tips for success for this recipe?

Butter Consistency: Ensure the butter is softened but not melted. It should be at room temperature for proper creaming with honey to achieve the right texture.
Careful Measuring: Measure the flour accurately. Too much flour can make the shortbread dry and crumbly. Use the spoon and level method to avoid packing in too much flour.
Chill the Dough: If the kitchen is warm and the dough becomes too soft while working with it, chill it for 15-30 minutes in the fridge to firm it up for easier rolling and cutting.
Rolling Thickness: Aim for a consistent thickness (about ¼ inch or 0.6 cm) to ensure even baking. Using guide sticks on either side of the dough helps maintain uniform thickness while rolling.
Avoid Overmixing: Once you add the flour, mix until just combined. Overmixing can result in tough shortbread. Stop mixing as soon as the dough comes together.
Chill Before Baking: After cutting the cookies, place them on a baking sheet and chill in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes. Chilled dough helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
Check for Doneness: Keep a close eye on the cookies while baking, especially toward the end of the baking time. They should have lightly golden edges but still appear pale on top.
Cooling Period: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. They'll continue to firm up as they cool.
Storage: Store the cooled shortbread cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They should keep well for about a week, but their freshness and texture are best within the first few days.
Flavor Variations: Feel free to experiment with additional flavorings like vanilla extract, citrus zest, or spices to add your personal touch to the recipe.