Honey Butter Shortbread Cookies

Featured in: Breads & Sweet Treats

These shortbread cookies offer a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture enhanced by the sweetness of honey and rich buttery flavor. Simple ingredients like all-purpose flour, softened butter, powdered sugar, honey, and vanilla combine for a smooth dough that's easy to prepare. Baking at a moderate temperature yields golden-edged cookies with a delicate crumb. Variations include chilling before baking to keep shape or adding chocolate and whole wheat flour for unique flavors. A delightful option for teatime or homemade gifts.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 14:01:00 GMT
Golden, baked Honey Butter Shortbread Cookies, each delicately shaped ready to be enjoyed with a cup of tea. Save
Golden, baked Honey Butter Shortbread Cookies, each delicately shaped ready to be enjoyed with a cup of tea. | chromepantry.com

Tender, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread cookies with a sweet touch of honey and rich buttery flavor perfect for teatime or as a delightful homemade gift.

I remember baking these cookies for my family holiday gatherings when I was a child the aroma always brought everyone into the kitchen.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour: Dry ingredient
  • 1/2 tsp fine sea salt: Dry ingredient
  • 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened: Wet ingredient
  • 1/2 cup (60 g) powdered sugar: Wet ingredient
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) honey: Wet ingredient
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract: Wet ingredient

Instructions

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Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and salt set aside.
Step 3:
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter powdered sugar honey and vanilla extract until light and fluffy (about 2 3 minutes).
Step 4:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture mixing on low speed until just combined Do not overmix.
Step 5:
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface Gently knead it together then roll it out to about 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) thickness.
Step 6:
Cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters and place cookies 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.
Step 7:
Optional Chill the cut cookies on the baking sheet for 10 minutes to help retain their shape during baking.
Step 8:
Bake for 13 15 minutes or until the edges are just starting to turn golden.
Step 9:
Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Quickly slice, dice, grate, and spiralize vegetables for salads, stir fries, and faster everyday meal prep.
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Product image
Quickly slice, dice, grate, and spiralize vegetables for salads, stir fries, and faster everyday meal prep.
Check price on Amazon
These homemade Honey Butter Shortbread Cookies are buttery, perfectly sweet, and delicious served fresh from the oven. Save
These homemade Honey Butter Shortbread Cookies are buttery, perfectly sweet, and delicious served fresh from the oven. | chromepantry.com

Baking these cookies always brings my family together sharing stories and laughter around the kitchen table.

Notes

For a crisper cookie bake 1 2 minutes longer Drizzle with extra honey or dip in melted chocolate for variation Substitute half of the flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor

Required Tools

Mixing bowls Electric mixer or stand mixer Rolling pin Cookie cutters Baking sheets Parchment paper Wire rack

Nutritional Information

Calories 120 Total Fat 7 g Carbohydrates 14 g Protein 1 g per cookie

A close-up of buttery, crumbly Honey Butter Shortbread Cookies, ready to savor the taste and texture. Save
A close-up of buttery, crumbly Honey Butter Shortbread Cookies, ready to savor the taste and texture. | chromepantry.com
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These honey butter shortbread cookies are a timeless treat sure to delight any crowd.

Common Questions

What makes these shortbread cookies tender?

The blend of softened butter and honey creates a moist, tender crumb by adding richness and sweetness, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Can I use whole wheat flour in this preparation?

Yes, substituting half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour adds a nuttier flavor and a slightly denser texture.

How can I ensure the cookies keep their shape while baking?

Chilling the cut dough pieces on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before baking helps the cookies retain their shape and prevents excessive spreading.

What temperature and time are ideal for baking?

Baking at 325°F (160°C) for 13 to 15 minutes produces golden edges and a soft, tender center suitable for shortbread.

Are there any suggested toppings or flavor twists?

Drizzling extra honey over cooled cookies or dipping them in melted chocolate adds a delightful finishing touch and extra sweetness.

What tools are recommended for preparing these cookies?

Essential tools include mixing bowls, an electric or stand mixer, rolling pin, cookie cutters, baking sheets, parchment paper, and a wire rack for cooling.

Honey Butter Shortbread Cookies

Tender shortbread with honey and butter, ideal for teatime or homemade treats.

Prep Time
20 min
Time to Cook
15 min
Total Duration
35 min
Written by Mia Foster


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine British

Portions 24 Number Served

Dietary notes Suitable for Vegetarians

What You'll Need

Dry Ingredients

01 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
02 1/2 tsp fine sea salt

Wet Ingredients

01 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
02 1/2 cup (60 g) powdered sugar
03 1/4 cup (60 ml) honey
04 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Directions

Step 01

Preheat Oven and Prepare Sheets: Preheat the oven to 325°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 02

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour and fine sea salt; set aside.

Step 03

Cream Butter and Sweeteners: In a large bowl, beat softened unsalted butter, powdered sugar, honey, and pure vanilla extract until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.

Step 04

Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined; avoid overmixing.

Step 05

Shape Dough: Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead and roll out to 1/2 inch thickness.

Step 06

Cut Cookies: Cut dough into desired shapes using cookie cutters and place cookies 1 inch apart on prepared baking sheets.

Step 07

Optional Chilling: Chill cut cookies on baking sheets for 10 minutes to help maintain shape during baking.

Step 08

Bake: Bake for 13–15 minutes or until edges begin to turn golden.

Step 09

Cool: Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tools Needed

  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer or stand mixer
  • Rolling pin
  • Cookie cutters
  • Baking sheets
  • Parchment paper
  • Wire rack

Allergy Details

Review each item for potential allergies and consult a healthcare expert with concerns.
  • Contains wheat (gluten) and dairy (butter). Check vanilla extract and powdered sugar for potential allergens.

Nutrition Details (per portion)

For informational purposes only—always seek professional health advice.
  • Calories: 120
  • Fat content: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 14 g
  • Protein: 1 g