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Ridiculously Easy Rosemary Shortbread

This unbelievably easy, crisp-tender, buttery, absolutely irresistible shortbread is one of those recipes you'll find yourself making again and again.
Course Dessert
Cuisine American, Scottish
Keyword Rosemary Shortbread
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 12
Calories 259 kcal
Author Chris Scheuer

Ingredients

  • 1 cup very soft butter
  • cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons honey
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1-2 tablespoons sanding sugar, Demerara, Turbinado or regular granulated sugar

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325. Lightly grease (I use baking spray) and then line an 8 or 9-inch cake pan (round or square) or a tart pan (10 or 11 inches) with a removable bottom with parchment paper. (See Café Tips above in post regarding size of the pan.) Set aside.

  2. Combine soft butter, sugar, honey and vanilla in a medium-large bowl. Stir for about 30 seconds until nice and creamy.

  3. Add the flour, rosemary and salt. Stir just until all of the flour is incorporated. The dough will be crumbly.

  4. Press the dough firmly into the prepared pan to create an even surface. Be sure there are no loose crumbs around the edges of the pan. Sprinkle with the sugar.

  5. Bake for 35-45 minutes then remove from oven. (The smaller your pan is, the thicker your shortbread will be and the longer it will take to bake. Check frequently towards end of baking time. You want it to be a pretty, deep golden brown.)

  6. Invert shortbread onto a flat plate. Place another plate on top and invert again so the sugared side is up.

  7. Slide the shortbread onto a cutting board and sprinkle with a bit more sugar, if desired. Cut it into wedges (or rectangles or squares if using a square pan). Transfer pieces to a wire rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container.

  8. If you prefer your shortbread even crisper, place the cut pieces on a sheet pan and return return to the oven for 5 minutes then cool on a wire rack.

  9. Garnish when serving with a bit of finely chopped fresh rosemary, if desired.

Recipe Notes

Adapted from The New York Times

Serves 10-12, depending on the size of pieces.

See the note above under Café Tips if you like really crisp shortbread.

Nutrition Facts
Ridiculously Easy Rosemary Shortbread
Amount Per Serving
Calories 259 Calories from Fat 144
% Daily Value*
Fat 16g25%
Saturated Fat 10g63%
Cholesterol 41mg14%
Sodium 329mg14%
Potassium 27mg1%
Carbohydrates 28g9%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 12g13%
Protein 2g4%
Vitamin A 478IU10%
Calcium 8mg1%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.