Honey Butter Shortbread

Featured in: Bakes & Sweet Treats

Experience a tender shortbread that melts in your mouth, enriched with the natural sweetness of honey and creamy butter. Soft yet crumbly, these treats are easy to prepare and ideal for sharing during teatime or as thoughtful homemade gifts. The delicate blend of vanilla adds subtle aroma while the buttery texture delivers a rich, satisfying bite. Baking at a gentle temperature ensures perfect golden edges each time.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 11:25:00 GMT
Golden baked honey butter shortbread cookies, showcasing their perfect shape and delicate, buttery texture. Save
Golden baked honey butter shortbread cookies, showcasing their perfect shape and delicate, buttery texture. | fusionspatula.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.

This recipe quickly became my go-to for gifts because it never fails to impress friends and family with its rich buttery taste.

Ingredients

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

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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Check doneness of meats, candy, and baked goods instantly for safer, perfectly cooked results.
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Check doneness of meats, candy, and baked goods instantly for safer, perfectly cooked results.
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Freshly made honey butter shortbread cookies arranged beautifully, ready to be enjoyed with a cup of tea. Save
Freshly made honey butter shortbread cookies arranged beautifully, ready to be enjoyed with a cup of tea. | fusionspatula.com

This recipe always brings my family together around the table for warm tea and good conversation.

Required Tools

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

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (gluten) dairy (butter) Check vanilla extract and powdered sugar for potential allergens

Nutritional Information

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

These homemade honey butter shortbread cookies smell so delicious, with a perfect golden-brown color. Save
These homemade honey butter shortbread cookies smell so delicious, with a perfect golden-brown color. | fusionspatula.com
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Cushioned mats provide comfort while cooking, absorbing spills near the sink and stove for cleaner meal prep.
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These cookies are perfect for anyone who loves simple, buttery treats with a touch of sweetness.

Recipe FAQs

How do I achieve the perfect crumbly texture?

Use softened unsalted butter and avoid overmixing the dough. Gentle handling and chilling the cut pieces before baking helps maintain shape and texture.

Can I substitute any ingredients for a different flavor?

Yes, try replacing half the flour with whole wheat for nuttier notes or drizzle extra honey or melted chocolate for added sweetness and variety.

What baking temperature is recommended?

Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C) for even cooking and golden edges without burning.

How should the dough be prepared before baking?

Roll the dough to about 1/2 inch thickness, cut into shapes, and optionally chill on the baking sheet for 10 minutes to prevent spreading.

Are there any allergen considerations?

The ingredients contain wheat (gluten) and dairy from butter; check other components like vanilla and powdered sugar for potential allergens.

Honey Butter Shortbread

Melt-in-mouth shortbread with honey and butter, ideal for teatime treats or gifts.

Prep duration
20 minutes
Time to cook
15 minutes
Overall time
35 minutes
Created by Liam Johnson


Skill level Easy

Cuisine type British

Makes 24 Portions

Diet info Meat-Free

What You Need

Dry Ingredients

01 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt

Wet Ingredients

01 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 1/2 cup powdered sugar
03 1/4 cup honey
04 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

How to Make It

Step 01

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

Step 02

Combine dry ingredients: Whisk together flour and salt in a medium bowl; set aside.

Step 03

Cream wet ingredients: Beat softened butter, powdered sugar, honey, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 04

Incorporate dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined without overmixing.

Step 05

Roll out dough: Turn dough onto lightly floured surface, gently knead to combine, then roll to approximately 1/2 inch thickness.

Step 06

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

Step 07

Optional chilling: Chill cut cookies on baking sheet for 10 minutes to maintain shape during baking.

Step 08

Bake cookies: Bake for 13 to 15 minutes or until edges are just turning golden.

Step 09

Cool cookies: Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer 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 warnings

Review ingredients for allergens and check with a medical expert if needed.
  • Contains wheat (gluten) and dairy (butter). Verify vanilla extract and powdered sugar for allergens.

Nutrition details (per serving)

Nutrition facts are estimates for informational reasons and aren't medical guidance.
  • Energy (kcal): 120
  • Fat content: 7 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 14 grams
  • Protein amount: 1 grams