Honey Butter Shortbread Goodies

Featured in: Breads & Sweet Bakes

These shortbread treats combine the richness of softened unsalted butter with the natural sweetness of honey, enhanced by pure vanilla extract. The dry flour and sea salt blend creates a tender crumb texture that melts in your mouth. After gently shaping and chilling, the cookies bake to a perfect golden edge. Ideal for teatime or sharing, options include drizzling honey or dipping in melted chocolate for variation.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 12:46:00 GMT
Golden, buttery Honey Butter Shortbread Cookies, perfectly baked and ready to enjoy with a cup of tea. Save
Golden, buttery Honey Butter Shortbread Cookies, perfectly baked and ready to enjoy with a cup of tea. | stellarskillet.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 a favorite in my family because of its simplicity and delicious taste.

Ingredients

  • Dry Ingredients: 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
  • Wet Ingredients: 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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Preheat Oven:
Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl whisk together the flour and salt set aside.
Cream Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl beat the softened butter powdered sugar honey and vanilla extract until light and fluffy (about 2 3 minutes).
Combine:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture mixing on low speed until just combined Do not overmix.
Knead and Roll:
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.
Cut Shapes:
Cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters and place cookies 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.
Chill (Optional):
Chill the cut cookies on the baking sheet for 10 minutes to help retain their shape during baking.
Bake:
Bake for 13 15 minutes or until the edges are just starting to turn golden.
Cool:
Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Product image
Bake charming cakes, quick breads, and molded desserts that release cleanly for effortless decorating.
Check price on Amazon
Product image
Bake charming cakes, quick breads, and molded desserts that release cleanly for effortless decorating.
Check price on Amazon
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| stellarskillet.com

My family always looks forward to the moment when these cookies come out of the oven and fill the house with their warm aroma.

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

Close-up of freshly made Honey Butter Shortbread Cookies, slightly browned, inviting you with their delicious aroma. Save
Close-up of freshly made Honey Butter Shortbread Cookies, slightly browned, inviting you with their delicious aroma. | stellarskillet.com
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Melt chocolate or cheese smoothly for dipping fruits, pretzels, and snacks during desserts and parties.
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These honey butter shortbread cookies are the perfect sweet treat for any occasion with effortless preparation.

Recipe FAQs

How does honey affect the texture?

Honey adds moisture and natural sweetness, resulting in a tender, melt-in-the-mouth texture while complementing the butter's richness.

What is the ideal baking temperature?

325°F (160°C) is recommended to allow even baking and prevent excessive browning, ensuring a delicate golden finish.

Can I use whole wheat flour as a substitute?

Yes, substituting half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat adds nuttiness but may slightly alter the crumb texture.

Why chill the shaped dough before baking?

Chilling helps the cookies maintain shape and prevents spreading, resulting in a firmer edge and tender center.

Are there variations recommended for serving?

Drizzling extra honey or dipping in melted chocolate enhances flavor and adds a delightful twist to the buttery treats.

Honey Butter Shortbread Goodies

Tender shortbread infused with honey and butter for a sweet, buttery treat perfect anytime.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Time to Cook
15 minutes
Overall Time
35 minutes
Recipe by Gabriel Sanders


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine British

Makes 24 Portions

Special Diets Vegetarian-Friendly

What You'll Need

Dry Ingredients

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

Wet Ingredients

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

How to Make It

Step 01

Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking 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 sea salt. Set aside.

Step 03

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

Step 04

Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing.

Step 05

Form and Roll Dough: Transfer dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead to unify, then roll out to a thickness of 1/2 inch.

Step 06

Cut Cookies and Arrange: Use cookie cutters to cut into desired shapes. Place cookies one inch apart on prepared baking sheets.

Step 07

Optional Chilling: Chill the cut cookies on the baking sheet for 10 minutes to help retain shape during baking, if desired.

Step 08

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

Step 09

Cool: Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tools You’ll Need

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

Allergy Notes

Review each item for possible allergens and check with your doctor if needed.
  • Contains gluten and dairy.
  • Check vanilla extract and powdered sugar for potential allergens.

Nutrition Info (per portion)

Nutritional details are estimates only and shouldn’t replace guidance from medical professionals.
  • Energy: 120
  • Fats: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 14 g
  • Proteins: 1 g