Why did my shortbread cookies spread too much?

Spreading usually happens when the butter is too warm or the dough is overworked. Try chilling your dough balls for 15-20 minutes before baking. Also, make sure your oven is fully preheated and not running hot.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, you can use salted butter, but your cookies will have a slightly different flavor profile. If using salted butter, you might want to add a tiny pinch of salt to enhance the flavors even more.

My cookies seem too crumbly – what happened?

Shortbread is naturally crumbly, but if they're falling apart, you might have used too much flour or cornstarch. Make sure you're measuring ingredients correctly, and don't overbake them which can make them excessively dry.

Can I make these cookies without cornstarch?

The cornstarch gives shortbread its distinctive tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. You can make them without it by substituting an equal amount of flour, but the texture will be more like a sugar cookie than traditional shortbread.

Easter Shortbread Cookies Recipe

These melt-in-your-mouth Easter Shortbread Cookies are a delightful spring treat with a perfect buttery texture and delicate sweetness. Made with just four simple ingredients, these cookies come together in minutes and transform into delicious, festive treats with just a sprinkle of pastel sanding sugar. They’re the perfect addition to your Easter celebration or springtime gathering!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ridiculously Simple: With just four basic ingredients, these cookies are the definition of uncomplicated baking. Even if you’re not a regular baker, you can master these on your first try!
Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: The combination of flour and cornstarch creates that signature shortbread texture that’s tender, crumbly, and practically dissolves on your tongue.
Quick Preparation: From mixing bowl to cooling rack in under 30 minutes! These cookies are perfect when you need something homemade but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
Endlessly Customizable: The plain canvas of these shortbread cookies makes them perfect for any holiday or occasion—just change your sprinkles or sanding sugar colors!

Ingredients You’ll Need

All-purpose flour: The foundation of our cookies that provides structure while keeping them tender.
Cornstarch: This magical ingredient is what gives shortbread that distinctive melt-in-your-mouth quality. Don’t skip it!
Powdered sugar: Using powdered instead of granulated sugar ensures a smoother texture and helps create that perfect shortbread crumb.
Butter: The star of the show! Butter provides that rich, incomparable flavor that makes shortbread so irresistible. Make sure it’s softened for easier mixing.
Sanding sugar in pastel colors: These add the festive Easter touch and a pleasant little crunch on top. They transform simple cookies into a celebration!

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Flavor Additions

Try adding 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract or almond extract for a subtle flavor boost. Lemon or orange zest would make these wonderfully fresh for spring!

Chocolate Dipped

Once cooled, dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate (white, milk, or dark) and sprinkle with more sanding sugar for an extra special treat.

Shape Variations

Instead of round cookies, use Easter-themed cookie cutters for shapes like eggs, bunnies, or flowers. Just roll the dough out to about 1/4 inch thickness before cutting.

Sandwich Cookies

Make smaller cookies and sandwich them together with buttercream frosting tinted in spring colors.

How to Make Easter Shortbread Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Preheat your oven to 300°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This moderate temperature is key for properly baking shortbread without browning it too quickly.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Sift together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and powdered sugar into a large mixing bowl. If you don’t have a sifter, simply whisk these ingredients very well to remove any lumps and incorporate air.

Step 3: Add the Butter

Add your softened butter to the dry ingredients. Using a wooden spoon or clean hands (I prefer hands for better control), gently work the butter into the flour mixture until a soft dough forms. The key here is to NOT overwork the dough—stop mixing as soon as it comes together into a ball.

Step 4: Form the Cookies

Take small portions of dough and roll them into 1-inch balls. Place these a few inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. They’ll spread slightly when flattened.

Step 5: Create the Classic Shortbread Look

Dip a fork in flour and gently press down on each dough ball to create that classic shortbread pattern. Top with a generous sprinkle of your pastel sanding sugar.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake in your preheated oven for 15-20 minutes. You’re looking for cookies that are set but not browned. Let them rest on the baking sheet for about 2 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Keep It Cool: If your kitchen is warm or your butter is very soft, chill the formed dough balls for 15 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading.
Don’t Overwork: The more you handle shortbread dough, the tougher it becomes. Mix just until combined for the most tender results.
Even Sizing: Use a small cookie scoop if you have one to ensure all cookies are the same size and will bake evenly.
Watch Carefully: Shortbread can go from perfectly baked to over-browned quickly. Start checking at the 15-minute mark.
Quality Matters: Since there are so few ingredients, the quality of your butter will significantly impact the flavor. Use the best you can afford!

How to Serve

These Easter Shortbread Cookies are versatile treats that can be served in multiple delightful ways:

Easter Celebrations

Arrange them on a pretty platter alongside other Easter treats for a festive dessert table. They look beautiful next to colored eggs and spring flowers.

Tea Time Companion

Serve with afternoon tea or coffee—shortbread’s buttery flavor pairs perfectly with both.

Gift Packaging

Stack cookies in cellophane bags tied with pastel ribbons for sweet Easter gifts or place settings.

Dessert Platter

Include these cookies as part of a larger dessert spread with fresh fruit and whipped cream for dipping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your shortbread cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 7-10 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and keep them perfectly intact.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully! Once completely cooled, place them in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. They’ll keep for 2-3 months. This is perfect for making ahead for Easter gatherings.

Make Ahead Dough

You can make the dough up to 3 days ahead and keep it refrigerated. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before forming and baking the cookies.

Reheating

Frozen cookies can be thawed at room temperature for about an hour. For a fresh-baked taste, warm them in a 300°F oven for 3-5 minutes.

FAQs

Why did my shortbread cookies spread too much?

Spreading usually happens when the butter is too warm or the dough is overworked. Try chilling your dough balls for 15-20 minutes before baking. Also, make sure your oven is fully preheated and not running hot.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, you can use salted butter, but your cookies will have a slightly different flavor profile. If using salted butter, you might want to add a tiny pinch of salt to enhance the flavors even more.
My cookies seem too crumbly – what happened?

Shortbread is naturally crumbly, but if they’re falling apart, you might have used too much flour or cornstarch. Make sure you’re measuring ingredients correctly, and don’t overbake them which can make them excessively dry.
Can I make these cookies without cornstarch?

The cornstarch gives shortbread its distinctive tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. You can make them without it by substituting an equal amount of flour, but the texture will be more like a sugar cookie than traditional shortbread.

Final Thoughts

These Easter Shortbread Cookies capture everything wonderful about spring baking—they’re simple, delicate, and bring a smile to everyone’s face. The beautiful pastel colors and buttery flavor make them a standout on any Easter table, while their simplicity means you’ll actually enjoy making them! Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, these cookies are sure to become a beloved tradition in your spring celebrations. Give them a try and watch how quickly they disappear!