Name: Mouth Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 24 min
Cuisine: Scottish
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter (softened); 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1/4 cup cornstarch; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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There’s something magical about a classic treat, and these Mouth Shortbread Cookies truly live up to their name—they absolutely melt the moment they touch your tongue. With just a handful of pantry staples, you’ll have a buttery, tender cookie that feels both nostalgic and incredibly luxurious. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a tea party, or simply to satisfy a craving for something sweet, this recipe delivers old-fashioned comfort with every delicate crumb. Once you try baking these, they’re sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen, too!

Mouth Shortbread Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a few key ingredients to whip up a batch of Mouth Shortbread Cookies, and each one plays a vital role in achieving that iconic melt-in-your-mouth texture. From silky butter to a touch of cornstarch, every element is there for a reason and worth your attention!

Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened): The base of all great shortbread, butter brings richness and a creamy flavor with the perfect texture.
Powdered Sugar (1/2 cup): This fine sugar dissolves smoothly for a delicate sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
Cornstarch (1/4 cup): The secret ingredient that gives these cookies their signature “melt-away” quality.
All-Purpose Flour (1 1/2 cups): The foundation of the dough, all-purpose flour provides structure without making the cookies dense.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough to enhance flavor and balance the sweetness.
Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a warm, aromatic note that elevates the overall flavor profile.

How to Make Mouth Shortbread Cookies

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F, ensuring it’s fully heated before you begin baking. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, which keeps the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. A properly prepared pan sets the stage for perfect, evenly baked Mouth Shortbread Cookies!

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, combine your softened butter and powdered sugar. Using either a stand mixer or a sturdy hand mixer, beat the mixture together on medium speed for about 2 to 3 minutes, until it’s light, fluffy, and almost resembles frosting. This step is crucial—it introduces air into the dough and helps achieve that signature soft bite.

Step 3: Add Vanilla

Pour in the vanilla extract and give everything another quick mix until the fragrant vanilla is evenly distributed throughout the butter-sugar mixture. This ensures that every single cookie is infused with just the right touch of sweetness and warmth.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Sift the flour, cornstarch, and salt together, then add them to the bowl. Mix on a low speed, or gently fold in with a spatula, just until the dough comes together. The dough should be smooth but soft; be careful not to overmix, or you’ll risk tough cookies instead of the beloved melt-in-the-mouth texture these shortbreads are known for.

Step 5: Shape the Cookies

Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them gently between your palms to form soft, even balls. Place each ball onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between them so they have room to spread. Then, gently press down on each dough ball with the tines of a fork—this not only flattens the cookies for even baking but creates that classic shortbread pattern on top.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide your tray into the oven and bake for 12 to 14 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are just barely golden, but the tops are still pale—don’t let them brown too much! Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Mouth Shortbread Cookies

Garnishes

Sometimes, a dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of melted chocolate is all you need to elevate your Mouth Shortbread Cookies into something elegantly festive. For a citrusy twist, sprinkle a touch of finely grated lemon or orange zest over the tops while still warm, which adds a fresh burst of flavor without overwhelming the cookie’s buttery charm.

Side Dishes

Pairing these delicate cookies with a hot cup of tea or coffee is unbeatable—you’ll find the richness of the shortbread is perfectly balanced by a warm, gently bitter drink. For a more decadent treat, try serving them alongside fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream, or as a sweet addition to an afternoon grazing board with cheese and fruit.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re in a gifting mood, arrange a dozen Mouth Shortbread Cookies in a pretty tin lined with parchment—homemade cookies feel extra special when shared this way! For parties, stack them on a tiered tray with other bite-sized treats to create a stunning dessert spread. And for holidays, dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate and sprinkle with festive edible glitter for a sparkling finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once baked and cooled, these cookies keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Store layers of cookies between sheets of parchment paper to protect their tender, crumbly texture, and enjoy a perfectly fresh treat anytime you have a craving.

Freezing

Mouth Shortbread Cookies are wonderfully freezer-friendly! Place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container, separating layers with parchment. They’ll keep for up to three months, just waiting to be enjoyed whenever you need a little sweet comfort.

Reheating

If you prefer your cookies slightly warm, pop them in a 300°F oven for about 4 to 5 minutes straight from the freezer, or 2 to 3 minutes from room temperature. This revives the buttery aroma and gives each cookie a freshly baked feel—just be sure to let them cool slightly before indulging!

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Absolutely! If salted butter is what you have on hand, just omit the 1/4 teaspoon salt called for in the recipe. Your Mouth Shortbread Cookies will still have that rich, buttery flavor without being overly salty.

Why is cornstarch used in this recipe?

Cornstarch is the magic ingredient that gives these cookies their soft, delicate texture. It helps create that signature “melt in your mouth” effect by reducing gluten formation, resulting in extra-tender shortbread.

Can I add flavors or mix-ins?

Yes! While classic Mouth Shortbread Cookies are delicious as-is, feel free to experiment. Add a little lemon or orange zest for brightness, a splash of almond extract for nuttiness, or dip cooled cookies in chocolate for a gourmet touch.

How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

If your dough feels too soft or sticky, chill it for 15-20 minutes before shaping. And always make sure your butter isn’t melted, just softened. This helps the cookies keep their lovely shape and pattern as they bake.

Are these cookies suitable for gifting?

They’re absolutely perfect for gifting! Pack the cooled Mouth Shortbread Cookies in a beautiful box or tin lined with parchment paper. Not only are they gorgeous, but their melt-in-the-mouth texture is a crowd-pleaser every time.

Final Thoughts

There’s something timeless and heartwarming about a batch of Mouth Shortbread Cookies, and once you taste their buttery magic, it’s hard to stop at just one. Whether you bake them for yourself or to share, I can’t wait for you to enjoy each and every crumb of this irresistible treat!

Mouth Shortbread Cookies Recipe

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4.5 from 19 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 24 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Mouth Shortbread Cookies are a classic treat that literally melt in your mouth. With a rich buttery flavor and a delicate texture, they are perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

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Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. Add vanilla extract and mix to combine.
Add dry ingredients: Sift in the flour, cornstarch, and salt. Mix until the dough comes together and is smooth but soft. Do not overmix.
Shape cookies: Scoop out 1-tablespoon portions and roll into balls. Place on the baking sheet and press down with a fork to create a pattern.
Bake: Bake for 12–14 minutes until the edges begin to turn golden. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.