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Freshly baked buttery shortbread bars on a white kitchen counter.

Shortbread Bars

Buttery, crumbly shortbread bars that melt in your mouth. Easy, classic, and perfect for holidays or everyday treats.
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Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Scottish
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Chill Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 16 bars
Calories: 210kcal
Cost: $6–$8

Equipment

  • 1 9x13 inch baking pan or 8x8 inch for thicker bars
  • 1 Electric mixer for creaming butter and sugar
  • 1 Parchment paper for easy removal
  • 1 Fork to prick dough surface
  • 1 Sharp knife for cutting bars cleanly
  • 1 Wire cooling rack to cool completely

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour sifted
  • 1 cup unsalted butter room temperature
  • ½ cup granulated sugar for sweetness
  • ¼ cup powdered sugar for tender texture
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract pure
  • ¼ teaspoon salt enhances flavor
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch optional, for tenderness
  • 1 egg yolk optional, adds richness

Instructions

  • Cream butter and sugars until fluffy.
  • Add vanilla, then dry ingredients.
  • Press dough evenly into pan.
  • Prick and score dough.
  • Bake at 325°F (165°C) for 25–30 minutes.
  • Cool in pan, then cut into bars.
  • Dust with sugar or dip in chocolate to finish.

Notes

For extra flavor, try adding lemon zest or dipping cooled bars in melted chocolate. Store in an airtight container for up to a week.

Nutrition

Serving: 45g | Calories: 210kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 30mg | Sodium: 70mg | Potassium: 25mg | Fiber: 0.5g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 380IU | Calcium: 15mg | Iron: 0.8mg