Using Kerrygold’s pure Irish butter, these would be a perfect cookie to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.
But I wouldn’t save them for just a once a year treat. These cookies are perfect for anytime.
Special enough for company, I prefer these cookies when I need a quite moment.
I like to sit, gaze out the window, daydream of Emeralds and far away places, castles and lush greenery, tea parties and leprechauns. Paired with a steaming cup of tea is how I like to enjoy this buttery, flaky cookie.
When trying to escape reality, Calgon just doesn’t do it for me.
But a mini tea party does! 
My daughter prefers them as after school snack with a giant glass of ice cold milk.
My friend Michelle prefers them before her dinner.
My husband prefers I don’t make them at all. His pants are a wee bit too tight and with these cookies, he surrenders all his willpower.
However you prefer your shortbread, this is the recipe for you!
It might not transport you to the Emerald Island, but it just might take you to greener pastures.
Enjoy!
Irish Butter Shortbread
Recipe By Rachel Gaffney
1 cup (2 sticks) Irish unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for work surface
Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper; set aside. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter and sugar. With the mixer on low, slowly add flour. Continue mixing until dough comes together to form a ball. I had to add a tablespoon of water to get it to form a ball.
Transfer dough to a lightly floured work surface; Roll out dough to about 1/4-inch thickness, dusting rolling pin with flour as necessary to prevent sticking. Using a 2 1/4-inch round, fluted cutter, cut out dough.Transfer to prepared baking sheet, spacing about 1 inch apart. Gather up any scraps, gently re-roll, and repeat cutting process. Take care not to overwork dough.
Bake until shortbread just begins to turn golden, about 30 minutes.
Enjoy!
Print This Recipe
Note: I did not receive any compensation from Kerrygold. I used their butter because I like their product. All opinions expressed here are 100% mine!
{ 29 comments… read them below or add one }
Shortbread cookies are hard to beat and your look wonderful! I’d be happy to have your cookies, a cup of tea and be sitting on my porch swing with a good book. Oh, and the weather must be warm!
These sound lovely. I have a feeling I’d dip them in chocolate.
O MY CUPCAKES!!!! I am so Irish, have my maiden name on a beer, very famous, it is; Toohey..Black Irish we are. Roaming gypsies and so much more. Thanks for the Irish shortbread cookies. Where can I find Irish butter in Flagstaff, Az. We are at the top of the State, and not much out of the ordinary, well we are out of the ordinary, comes our way. Will research it out, and blessings to all. I live at 7,000 ft., and yes there is much snow in our lives up here. We are a ski resort, go figure, but more well known for the Four Corners, and yes the gateway to the Grand Canyon. Come up and see us all sometime…
Only 3 ingredients in these perfect little butter cookies?? So pretty Megan & wonderful for afternoon tea
Such a beautiful cup and saucer. Love the picture. I’m sure I’d love the cookies too.
we love shortbread and love that cup too just beautiful presentation!
I love anything that can bring back memories of Ireland. I agree with you about Kerrygold butter. It’s a notch above the rest. Your cookies look scrumptious. These would go great with the ample amounts of tea I drink.
These look wonderful. I wish I could reach into the screen and eat one now! We have Kerrygold butter here so I will add it to my list the next time I am in the supermarket and then make them.
That is absolutely perfect shortbread. They remind me of my childhood, when we would often eat shortbread cookies with tea.
Mmm, love shortbread. I can never find fun, fancy things around here–like Irish butter. I know those European butters are better than ours. Great post, Megan.
seriously, shortbread might be one of my favorite cookies. I have got to try this Irish butter…still haven’t. Your photos are fantastic!
Oh my, these look wonderful!
My pants are a wee bit too tight now too, but I’ve loved shortbread cookies since I was a girl scout and fell seriously in love with Trefoils. I want to make this simple, yummy looking recipe right now but must ask: just how addictive are they, Megan?
Love a simple shortbread cookie and you definitely can’t go wrong with Kerrygold – my favorite, too! Clipped this for future use & Stumbled. Good on you, Megan!
Can you please tell me what brand tea cup that is? I would love to know where to get a set
These shortbread cookies are picture perfect, so good with kerrygold butter!
Hubby and I both LOVE shortbread. These look amazing. Can’t wait to try them out!!
I’ve always loved the simplicity of shortbread cookies and I agree with you that Kerrygold is a really nice product. Beautiful cookies and gorgeous cup and saucer!
Once again, my friend, you win me over. Just roll me in clover and serve me these delicious cookies!!!
These look so lovely! Perfect with tea or just because!
Hi Amanda,
On the bottom it says Lenwile China
And under that it says ARDULT.
It’s a very old hand painted teacup from Japan. It was my mother’s and I bet she got it in the late 40 during the war. I believe someone brought it back with them from Japan. I have a few really cool teacups from my mom.
Thanks for stopping by and commenting. Have a great day!
yummmmm!! where’d you get irish butter?
Yum! I love Kerrygold butter… It’s so good! This shortbread looks fabulous dipped in some coffee, if you ask me! Perfect for entertaining!
I got my butter at Raley’s.
I love KerryGold butter and you know I love cookies. Perfect combo!
Yes-you’re a girl after my own heart with these cookies. Perfect!
These looks so lovely. I love Kerrygold butter
ps that teacup is stunning and I LOVE these photos!
For the first time in my life I found this butter last week. Moving to the city has its benefits when it comes to finding items I always wanted to try and never could for lack of finding it! Your cookies look like a yummy treat!
I have a pound of Kerrygold in the fridge right now. I was going to spread it on homemade Irish soda bread, but I never made it:( Irish butter shortbread cookies it is!