Five triangular shortbread cookies are arranged on a white rectangular plate with a decorative doily. Green leaves rest above the plate, adding a touch of freshness. The word “Recipe” is written in brown script across the image, evoking the charm of an afternoon tea gathering. This presentation captures the essence of the Best Traditional Shortbread Cookie Afternoon Tea Recipe from The St. James Tearoom, inviting you to experience classic elegance with every bite.
February 23, 2022

Best Traditional Shortbread Cookie Afternoon Tea Recipe

The St. James Tearoom

A simple classic shortbread never goes amiss, so next time you need something quick for those last-minute guests, remember this Best Traditional Shortbread Cookie Afternoon Tea Recipe. If you need more than one treat, these pair excellently with this Lemon Brandy Syllabub Afternoon Tea Recipe.

Enjoy a charming afternoon with a tea set featuring a teapot, a cup of tea, and the Best Traditional Shortbread Cookie Afternoon Tea Recipe from The St. James Tearoom. Indulge in delicate shortbread cookies on a plate alongside four glass cups of mousse topped with mint leaves, all beautifully arranged on a round wooden table with a lace doily.

Best Traditional Shortbread Cookie Afternoon Tea Recipe

Servings: 16 cookies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
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Ingredients Instructions Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ⅛ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup cornstarch
  • 10 Tbsp. (142 g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • ½ tsp. pure vanilla extract
  • ½ cup confectioner’s sugar
  • ½ tsp. kosher salt
  • sugar to sprinkle optional

Instructions
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Prepare a 9-inch square or round cake pan. Line the bottom with parchment.
  2. Combine flour and cornstarch. Sift and set aside.
  3. In a mixer using the paddle attachment, beat the butter and vanilla extract until creamed. Add the confectioner’s sugar and salt; mix until combined.
  4. Add flour mixture and beat on low, scraping down the sides as you go; mix until just combined.
  5. Place dough in prepared pan and flatten to the edges using your hands. Using a fork or small skewer, indent a pattern onto the top.
  6. Bake for 20 – 25 minutes until set and the edges are lightly browned. Cool in pan on a wire rack for 5 minutes, then cut into desired shapes. Sprinkle with sugar if desired. Cool completely in pan before removing from pan.
  7. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 6 months.

Notes

Baking Tip:

  • Be careful not to over-mix the flour mixture into the wet ingredients or the dough will become tough.
Print Recipe
Decorative horizontal divider with ornate, symmetrical swirls in the center and small round accents at each end—perfect for elegantly separating sections in your favorite Tea Sandwich Recipe.

Tea Recommendations:

We recommend you serve this afternoon tea recipe with the following loose leaf teas.

Lemon Soufflé

smooth lemon herbal rooibos tea

Order in Our Online Tea Shop

Wisteria White

sun-kissed currant scented black tea

Order in Our Online Tea Shop

English Breakfast

hearty traditional black tea

Order in Our Online Tea Shop
Enjoy a charming afternoon with a tea set featuring a teapot, a cup of tea, and the Best Traditional Shortbread Cookie Afternoon Tea Recipe from The St. James Tearoom. Indulge in delicate shortbread cookies on a plate alongside four glass cups of mousse topped with mint leaves, all beautifully arranged on a round wooden table with a lace doily.

We hope you enjoy this Best Traditional Shortbread Cookie Afternoon Tea Recipe!