Honey Cinnamon Shortbread is a delicious twist on classic shortbread cookies. These cookies are rich, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth, with the natural sweetness of honey and the cozy spice of cinnamon. They are perfect for afternoon tea, holiday baking, or just a simple treat anytime.
Ingredients
To make Honey Cinnamon Shortbread, you will need:
- 1 cup (about 226 grams) unsalted butter, softened
- ⅔ cup (about 213 grams) honey
- 2 ½ cups (about 312 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Optional: A sprinkle of sugar on top before baking for a light crunch
These simple ingredients come together to create a cookie that is both sweet and gently spiced.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps to make Honey Cinnamon Shortbread:
1. Prepare the oven and baking sheet
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with a little butter. This helps prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. Cream the butter and honey
In a mixing bowl, place the softened butter and honey. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat them together until the mixture is light, smooth, and slightly fluffy. This step helps incorporate air for tender cookies.
3. Mix dry ingredients
In another bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir them well so the cinnamon is evenly distributed throughout the flour.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter and honey mixture. Mix gently on low speed until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix — shortbread should stay tender.
5. Shape the dough
Lightly flour your work surface and turn the dough out onto it. Use a rolling pin to roll the dough out to about ½-inch thickness. You can also press it into a square or circle shape by hand.
Cut the dough into desired shapes — rectangles, squares, or use cookie cutters for fun shapes. Place the pieces on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart.
If you like, lightly sprinkle a little sugar on top of each cookie before baking. This adds a pleasant sparkle and crunch.
6. Bake
Place the cookies in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Watch them closely — they should not turn brown but just become slightly firm and set.
7. Cool and enjoy
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheet for a few minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. The cookies will firm up as they cool.
Serving Suggestions
Honey Cinnamon Shortbread pairs beautifully with:
- A warm cup of tea or coffee
- A glass of milk
- Fresh fruit or whipped cream for dessert
These cookies also make a lovely homemade gift when wrapped in a pretty box or tied with ribbon.
Storage Tips
- Room temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to one week.
- Freezing: You can freeze the baked cookies for up to three months. Just thaw them at room temperature before serving.