Simple Perfection Shortbread Bars

There is always a round of cheers when I announce I’m making these shortbread bars.

They are a bit different than traditional shortbread... They’re softer and less crumbly. I think they’re best eaten fresh out of the oven (and with a piping hot cup of tea!). It’s also fun to add a bit of food coloring to the icing on holidays to make your cookies or bars a bit more festive. They look great dressed up in pink on Valentine’s Day!

3⁄4 lb. butter

1 cup sugar

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

3 1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour

1/8 teaspoon salt

1 cup powdered sugar

1 1⁄2 tablespoons water

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9x9-inch pan with wax paper

Step 2: Mix the butter, sugar, vanilla, flour, and salt together. (It will be thick.)

Step 3: Press the dough into the pan.

Step 4: Bake for 25-30 minutes until the edges begin to brown. 

Step 5: Mix the powdered sugar with water and drizzle on top once the bars are cooled.

Step 6: Slice the bars.

RUTH’S PRO-TIP

You can also roll the dough out to roughly a half-inch thick and cut out cookies using a cookie cutter. Bake at 350°F until lightly browned on a cookie sheet lined with wax paper. Remember: thicker is better.