These sweet, buttery shortbread cookies are truly a delight. They're made with raw honey instead of refined sugar, making this recipe healthy and delicious.
I’ve always been a fan of buttery, crumbly shortbread cookies. There is just something about the taste and texture that is irresistible — making it more than easy to eat way too many. If you’re a fan of shortbread cookies, too, this recipe is meant just for you. But if you’ve never tried shortbread cookies before, I highly recommend this recipe be the first you try!
There’s something so comforting about a simple, homemade cookie: no complicated ingredients and no fancy techniques. It’s only made from ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. This is exactly what you get when you make these honey shortbread cookies.
Most cookies are sweetened with refined sugar, but these are only sweetened with raw honey — nature's best sweetener! These cookies are the perfect healthy alternative to your everyday shortbread cookie. So whether you’re looking for a sweet pick-me-up, something to enjoy with a cup of tea or a dessert to gift to a neighbor, these cookies check all the boxes.
Here’s Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Honestly, if I could list all the reasons why I love this recipe, it would be very long. They really are that good. So, I’ll cut to the chase and give you the scoop on these delicious shortbread cookies.
Free of Refined Sugar: Refined sugar is linked to several health problems, while honey, on the other hand, has positive wellness benefits.
Only Three Ingredients: I get a bit overwhelmed when I look at a recipe and then scroll to see a lengthy ingredient list. Sometimes, I don’t feel like gathering all of the ingredients. With this recipe, I’m betting you already have most of the three ingredients needed.
Easy to Make: These shortbread cookies are very simple to bake — I’m not exaggerating. It’s so easy to whip the ingredients together, and they only take about 13 minutes in the oven.
Kid-Friendly: Because these cookies are such an easy recipe, it’s a great way to get your kids involved if they want to help or if you need an extra hand. Plus, I guarantee they will love snacking on these yummy shortbread cookies.
With their buttery texture and just the right amount of sweetness, these shortbread cookies prove that sometimes, simple really is best.
Using honey adds a delicious depth of sweetness and comes with some advantageous health benefits. Let’s take a closer look at why I chose raw honey for this recipe — and why you might also want to.
Outstanding Benefits of Raw Honey
When it comes to sweetening recipes, raw honey is my go-to, and for good reason. Unlike refined sugar, which is highly processed, raw honey adds a wonderful flavor and provides you with favorable health benefits.
Here are a few of the many benefits of raw honey:
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Immune-Boosting: The antioxidants and vitamins in raw honey do wonders for your immune health, helping keep you healthy year-round.
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Promotes Gut Health: Raw honey contains beneficial bacteria and enzymes that aid in digestion and work to keep your gut healthy.
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Wound Healing: Raw honey's antiseptic and antimicrobial properties are great for healing wounds. It creates a protective barrier over wounds and helps fight off the risk of infection.
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Anti-Inflammatory: The high amounts of flavonoids and antioxidants in raw honey combat inflammation like a pro — it reduces oxidative stress.
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Soothes Sore Throats: Raw honey's antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory benefits are helpful when dealing with a sore throat. Raw honey coats the throat, soothing it, and also helps get rid of any infections or bacteria in the throat.
These benefits are unbeatable, making it easier to throw out refined sugar and opt for this healthy alternative. If you’re looking for clean, unfiltered and unprocessed raw honey, then you're in the right place. Click here to shop for our locally sourced raw honey — it’s perfect for everyday use and recipes, just like these shortbread cookies.
Three Simple Ingredients
My favorite thing about this recipe is that it literally only has three ingredients — and I usually always have them in my home. It saves me a trip to the grocery store, which I am more than thankful for. Now, let’s talk about the ingredients you’ll need.
Ingredients:
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1 ½ cup of unbleached flour
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½ cup salted butter (room temp)
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¼ cup of Local Raw Honey
That’s it! Just three simple, wholesome ingredients come together to create the most satisfying, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread cookies. No refined sugar or unnecessary additives, just pure, buttery goodness with a touch of natural sweetness from honey.
Now that we have our ingredients, let’s get baking! Here’s how to whip up these effortless honey shortbread cookies in no time.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Follow these instructions, and before you know it, you’ll be indulging in your new favorite cookie — these honey shortbreads really are to die for.
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Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 250℉ and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Cream the Butter & Honey: Use a stand mixer and beat together the butter and honey until it’s nice and fluffy.
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Incorporate the Flour: Gradually add the flour to the butter and honey mixture and blend it with a spoon.
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Shape the Cookies: You can roll out the dough and use cookie cutters. You can also shape the dough with your hands and make circle-shaped cookies.
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Bake to Perfection: Place them on your baking sheet and bake for 20-30 minutes until the edges are golden. (They could take longer to bake depending on how thick you make the cookies)
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Let Cool and Serve: Let your honey shortbread cookies cool and serve them — enjoy!
Once cooled, take a bite and enjoy the perfect balance of buttery richness and natural honey sweetness. Cozy up and grab a mug of hot tea or coffee to go with them. This sweet snack is pure bliss.
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow manage to have leftovers (in my house, it’s very rare), here’s how to keep them fresh and delicious.
For the best texture and flavor, store your cookies in an airtight glass container at room temperature, where they’ll stay fresh for up to two weeks.
Want to make them last even longer? You can store them in the freezer in an airtight container, and they will stay good for up to three months. When you’re ready for more, get them out of the freezer and let them thaw for about 20 minutes.
More Easy Dessert Recipes
If you love these honey shortbread cookies, you’re in for a treat — literally! I’m all about simple, wholesome desserts that satisfy your sweet tooth without the fuss. So whether you’re craving something with chocolate or something fruity or creamy, we’ve got you covered!
Here are some more dessert recipes you’ll adore:
Each recipe is quick, easy and absolutely delicious, so you’ll always have a go-to treat on hand. Click here to join our newsletter and stay up to date on all my latest recipes!