Honey Butter Shortbread

Featured in: Breads & Sweet Treats

These shortbread cookies combine the richness of softened butter with the natural sweetness of honey. The dough is gently mixed and rolled to ensure a tender, crumbly texture that melts delightfully on the tongue. Baked at a moderate temperature, the edges achieve a lightly golden crispness while maintaining a soft center. Perfect as a teatime treat or a thoughtful homemade gift, these cookies offer a balanced flavor with options to enhance texture and taste by chilling or adding a drizzle of honey or melted chocolate.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 14:05:00 GMT
Golden, baked honey butter shortbread cookies arranged neatly for a sweet afternoon treat. Pin It
Golden, baked honey butter shortbread cookies arranged neatly for a sweet afternoon treat. | novatongs.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.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

Product image
Stir sauces, sauté vegetables, and serve meals gently while adding a charming touch to everyday cooking.
Check price on Amazon
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.
Product image
Stir sauces, sauté vegetables, and serve meals gently while adding a charming touch to everyday cooking.
Check price on Amazon
Product image
Stir sauces, sauté vegetables, and serve meals gently while adding a charming touch to everyday cooking.
Check price on Amazon
Freshly baked, buttery honey butter shortbread cookies with a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Pin It
Freshly baked, buttery honey butter shortbread cookies with a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture. | novatongs.com

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

Close-up of perfect honey butter shortbread cookies, showcasing the golden edges and crumbly texture. Pin It
Close-up of perfect honey butter shortbread cookies, showcasing the golden edges and crumbly texture. | novatongs.com
Product image
Bake lasagna, casseroles, and roasted dishes evenly, then serve straight from oven to table.
Check price on Amazon

Recipe FAQs

What makes these shortbread cookies tender?

The combination of softened butter and gentle mixing ensures a tender, melt-in-your-mouth crumb.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, substituting half the flour with whole wheat adds a nuttier flavor and a bit more texture.

How do I achieve crisp edges on the cookies?

Baking the cookies 1–2 minutes longer creates a crispier edge while keeping the center soft.

Is chilling the cookies before baking necessary?

Chilling helps the cookies retain their shape during baking, but it’s optional.

What variations can enhance the flavor?

Drizzling with extra honey or dipping in melted chocolate adds an extra layer of sweetness and richness.

What is the best way to store these cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their delicate texture and flavor.

Honey Butter Shortbread

Tender shortbread with honey and butter offering a sweet, melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Overall Time
35 minutes
Created by Jacob Young


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type British

Serves 24 Number of Portions

Dietary Info 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 sheets: Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 02

Combine dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and sea salt; set aside.

Step 03

Cream wet ingredients: Using a mixer, beat the 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 until just combined. Avoid overmixing.

Step 05

Shape dough: Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead, then roll out to 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) thickness.

Step 06

Cut cookies: Cut dough into desired shapes using cookie cutters. Place cookies 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart on the prepared baking sheets.

Step 07

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

Step 08

Bake cookies: Bake for 13 to 15 minutes or until edges just begin to turn golden.

Step 09

Cool cookies: Let cookies cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Equipment Needed

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

Allergens

Always check individual items for allergens and consult with your healthcare provider if you’re unsure.
  • Contains wheat (gluten) and dairy (butter).
  • Check vanilla extract and powdered sugar for potential allergens.

Nutrition Info (each serving)

This info is for reference and doesn’t replace professional advice from your doctor.
  • Caloric Value: 120
  • Fat Content: 7 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 14 grams
  • Proteins: 1 grams