Best shortbread ever! One of my husband's favorite treats. They really do get better with each passing day. I have made these many times and have never tweaked the recipe. After reading other comments I will definitely try the orange zest in the next batch!

making now i hope they tasate yummy?Wish me luck?

This is a great recipe and I've made it numerous times now. I've experimented with a few variations on it, but my favorite to date has been to add sour cherries and lavender, and to dip the cookies in chocolate after they're baked. There are some photos and more description on my blog than I can include here - the link is http://gradkitchen.blogspot.com/2011/01/chocolate-dipped-shortbread-with-dried.html

Simple enough. It's in the oven now. I added orange zest and homegrown dried lavender buds just for grins. It smells amazing. I should get snowed in more often! ;)

Never saw a shortbread recipe that whipped the butter and sugar before. I have always cut the butter in. Can hardly wait to try this.

Is regular granulated sugar used? I usually use Fruit Sugar when I make shortbread. Thanks Linda

This shortbread is so easy!! Made a batch for my college-aged girls - they pack and mail easily, and the girls love them. Definitely will make them again.

Anyone know why these recipes aren't printer friendly? If they were smart they would format them to 3x5 cards like the Food Network does.

Perhaps someone on the site can answer - per previous postings - why do these bake at such a low temperature (vs 350o) for so long? I tried to take them out after 70 mins and they seemed too soft, so I kept them in for 12 mins more. However, since they harden a bit as they cool, I'd do them for 70 mins next time, since the longer baking time makes them harder when they cool. What's the reason for a slow temp and long baking time rather than the usual process?

Perhaps someone on the site can answer - per previous postings - why do these bake at such a low temperature (vs 350o) for so long? I tried to take them out after 70 mins and they seemed too soft, so I kept them in for 12 mins more. However, since they harden a bit as they cool, I'd do them for 70 mins next time, since the longer baking time makes them harder when they cool. What's the reason for a slow temp and long baking time rather than the usual process?

Try tossing these cookies in some powdered sugar after they cool.If possible this makes them MORE AWESOME, your welcome ; )

I used Spreadable Butter with Canola Oil. The texture was very smooth. The results were melt in your mouth goodness. The older the cookie the more firm they become. Gingerhead, I too would like to use Splenda, but Splenda does not do well with heat. The small amount of sugar is nothing compared to the butter. Happy Dieting!

I think my comment may be related to maychin's comment. I baked them at 275 for 70 min. They taste great but are very crumbly and break easily into small pieces. I can't see how they would ship well as Christmas cookies. Any suggestions to prevent them from being so crumbly?

Is the recipe correct - bake 70 -85 mins or is there a mistake?

How do you adjust these to use Splenda? I'm dieting and love to take "treats" when we go camping. I take these, impress the socks off everyone, and not blow my diet.

can i put lavender flowers in a container of sugar and use in the future instead of milling the lavender flowers

How deeply should the cookies be cut before baked? All the way through or just half way?

Great tip on the Lavender Sugar. Thanks tons...

Spydyrgrrl, you can just take about 2 Tbsp. of dried lavender blossoms, stems removed. Process in a mini food processor until powdery. Add about 1 cup of granulated sugar. Process until well-blended. Store in airtight container.

Spydyrgrrl, the lavender sugar sounds so wonderful, how do you make it? I grow a lot of herbs and mint, could I use those items?

Salted v Unsalted Butter

Chefs on TV use unsalted butter so they can control the amount of salt in their recipes. Since salt is put into butter as a preservative it has a longer shelf life.

Can anyone tell me the difference between salted butter and unsalted butter for baking? I only buy the salted butter as I use it daily for toast, etc. I never have noticed a salty taste to anythng and have always used the regular amount of salt. Answer would be appreciated, thanks everyone

This is a great shortbread recipe! I like substituting flower sugars for the white sugar. My favorite is lavender sugar. While it may sound strange, it tastes fantastic!

I am one of those who loves the occasional burst of salt flavor you get when eating shortbread. So, instead of using regular table salt in this recipe, I use the larger chunky sea salt. Thanks Martha, for this awesome recipe.

Live would not be as full without shortbread cookies and Starbucks coffee :-)

Peggy in Miami

My recipe is very similar however I have a new twist that make s them even better. I use a stone to cook them in and I divide the recipe in half and put a filling in the middle at this time of year I use stawberry and rasberry jam, lemon spread is awesome too. In the summer it makes a delectable treat.

Stephanie Ruckstuhl
Woodstock NB

I make these every Christmas and dip them in chocolate. They store and ship very well and I never have leftovers. One neighbor said they were the best shortbread she has ever had. Needless to say she gets a batch every year!

Finally, one of my favorite cookies and i can make it myself, you rock Martha!!!

Martha's shortbread recipe is the best! I also adjusted it using Splenda for baking so my diabetic husband (who is addicted to these cookies) can enjoy them more. They are easy to make (forget storing them for a month -- they'll NEVER amke it that long!) and go well with everyone from a cup of tea to fruit to ice cream! Bake and enjoy!

I omittied the vanilla I used salted butter (it's what I had) so omitted the salt. AWESOME! The texture of the finished cookie was just as great as the regular recipe.:D

Then...I baked some for my DIABETIC husband using SPLENDA

Deeeeewicious, as my 2 1/2 yr. old great-granddaughter says!! I loved the buttery taste too! I deviated a little and divided the dough into 3 equal pieces and refridgerated them. I took 1 roll at a time out to bake. I cut them into little circles while still firm and baked as directed.
VERY YUMMY!!

I looked for years to find the ultimate shortbread recipe and this is it!! Even better than I'd hoped for. Caution...the chocolate is a wonderful touch but don't get too much on the bars. It can overwhelm the beautiful, buttery, delicate flavour of the shortbread. Milk chocolate dip is nice.

Great shortbread! Easy, crumbly and buttery! Will definitely bake it again.

I felt that they needed more sugar.

Thank goodness for Martha's website. I was in a pinch to bake 'something' for Christmas this year -- not an easy feat for someone like me.

I must say I was soooo very grateful with how well this recipe guided me on MY VERY FIRST attempt at making shortbread!!!! A HUGE THANK YOU from someone who is not talented in the art of baking -- or cooking anything for that matter. I must say these shortbread bars taste AWESOME that I can't believe I actually made them. Thanks Again!

i made these cookies last year and shipped them across the country to my family along with a mix of other holiday cookies. Not only were these the favorites for taste, but they also held up to the shipping process the best! Although i tried my best to protect the packages, some cookies arrived crumbled and in pieces, but not these! Plus, they still tasted fresh after the journey since i keep them in sealed containers as recommended.