Description
Buttery, crumbly, and cozy with a caramel twist these brown sugar shortbread cookies are a rustic, make-ahead treat perfect for coffee or gifting.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup coarse sugar (for rolling edges)
Instructions
- In a bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until smooth.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
- Add flour and salt; mix until a soft dough forms.
- Roll dough into a log (about 2 inches thick), wrap in parchment, and chill for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 325°F.
- Slice chilled dough into ¼-inch rounds. Roll edges in coarse sugar.
- Arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 14–16 minutes or until lightly golden on the edges.
- Cool on the pan 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Store airtight.
Notes
- Dough can be made ahead and frozen up to 3 months.
- Add-ins like chopped nuts or orange zest work well.
- Skip the sugar coating if you prefer a more rustic look.
- For clean slices, use a sharp knife and rotate the dough as you cut.