Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup butter (softened)
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, creating a creamy base.
- Add Vanilla Extract: Mix in the vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar for flavor enhancement.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until the dough forms a consistent mass.
- Press Dough: Line a baking pan with parchment paper and evenly press the dough into it, ensuring a flat and uniform surface.
- Prick Dough: Use a fork to prick the surface of the dough all over; this prevents bubbling and helps even baking.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes until the edges are firm and the center is set but still tender.
- Cool and Cut: Remove from the oven and let the shortbread cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares or fingers for serving.
Notes
- Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate to add a decorative touch.
- Chill the dough slightly before pressing it into the pan for cleaner and neater cuts after baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Vegetarian
