Sparkling Shortbread Cookies

Updated Dec. 20, 2022

Recipe Overview

These elegant, buttery shortbread cookies feature a crispy exterior and tender interior, coated in decorative sugar for a festive, sparkling finish. Perfect for gifting or holiday gatherings, they balance simplicity with professional-level technique.

Key Details

• Total Time: 35 minutes (active prep) + 30 minutes to 3 days (chilling) + 18–22 minutes (baking) + cooling

• Prep Time: 15 minutes (active)

• Cook Time: 18–22 minutes (baking)

• Servings: ~24 cookies (2 logs × ~12 slices each)

Ingredients

Use room-temperature ingredients for optimal texture.

• 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened to 65°F (18°C) (not melted or cold)

• 1 cup (207g) granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (e.g., Diamond Crystal; adjust table salt to ½ tsp)

• 1–2 large egg yolks (room temperature; reserve 1 yolk for dough cohesion if needed)

• 2½ cups (320g) all-purpose flour (measured correctly: fluff with a spoon, scoop into cup, level with a straight edge to avoid excess flour)

• 1 large egg white, beaten (for brushing logs)

• ½ cup decorative sugar (sanding sugar, colored sugar, or white sugar for a subtle sheen)

Measurement Tip

For flour accuracy: Fluff the flour with a spoon, scoop into a dry measuring cup, then level with the back of a knife. This prevents compacting flour, which causes dry, crumbly dough.

Preparation & Baking Steps

Step 1: Cream Butter, Sugar, and Salt

• Stand Mixer Method: Fit with a paddle attachment. Combine butter, sugar, and salt on low speed until smooth and incorporated (3 minutes). Do not overbeat—avoid air bubbles to prevent flat cookies.

• Hand Method: In a large bowl, use a wooden spoon or pastry cutter to mix until sugar dissolves and butter is pale (3–4 minutes).

Step 2: Incorporate Egg Yolk

Add 1 egg yolk to the butter mixture. Mix on low speed (or by hand with a spatula) until just combined. Do not overwork the dough—overmixing introduces excess moisture and reduces crispness.

Step 3: Add Flour

Add flour in one batch. Mix on low speed (or by hand) until fully incorporated (30 seconds). The dough will resemble large crumbs. If dough is crumbly and fails to hold shape: Add 1 tablespoon of egg yolk (from the reserved 1 yolk) and mix gently to improve cohesion.

Step 4: Form Logs

Press the crumbly dough into two 9-inch (23cm) logs (2 logs for full batch; 1 log for half-batch). Wrap each log tightly in parchment paper, twist ends to seal, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 3 days (until firm enough to slice). Pro tip: Place wrapped logs inside an empty paper towel roll to maintain roundness during chilling.

Step 5: Preheat Oven & Prepare for Baking

• Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

• Brush each log with beaten egg white, then roll in decorative sugar to coat evenly. Slice logs into ½-inch (1.25cm) rounds using a sharp knife (use a food-safe marker to guide straight cuts if needed).

Step 6: Bake & Cool

• Arrange slices on the prepared baking sheet, spacing ½ inch apart. Bake 18–22 minutes, rotating the sheet halfway to ensure even browning.

• Remove from oven when bottom edges are golden (residual heat continues cooking; avoid overbaking). Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely (15–20 minutes).

Storage

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic and freeze for up to 10 days. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Community Insights & Troubleshooting

Q&A & Pro Tips

• Can I make by hand? Yes—follow Steps 1–3 with a wooden spoon, then proceed with log shaping.

• Colored sugar? Use fine-grain decorative sugar (e.g., LorAnn or King Arthur) for vibrant, heat-stable color.

• Crumbly dough fix: Add 1–2 tablespoons of egg yolk (if needed) to improve cohesion.

• Dry dough? Add 1–2 tsp vodka (or clear spirit) to moisten, mimicking pie crust technique for elasticity.

Feedback Highlights

• "Added second egg yolk—dough held together perfectly! Enjoyed on New Year’s Eve."

• "Decorative sugar unavailable? Substitute with sprinkles or sanding sugar for a festive touch."

• "Vodka trick works! Dough was moist and rolled easily after adding 1 tsp vodka."

These cookies blend simplicity with elegance, ideal for holiday gifting or casual snacking. Adjust sugar type/color to suit your occasion!