These delicate, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread cookies are made with just three simple ingredients: ghee, sugar, and flour. Perfect with tea or coffee, they offer a rich nutty flavour, making them ideal for celebrations, gifting, or an afternoon treat. Ready to impress with this timeless classic? Make a batch or two for your next gathering!
Prep Time30 minutesmins
Cook Time12 minutesmins
Chilling Time30 minutesmins
Total Time1 hourhr12 minutesmins
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: levantine, middle eastern
Servings: 24cookies
Calories: 70kcal
Author: Famidha Ashraf
Ingredients
½cupghee(do not melt)
½cupicing sugar(powdered sugar)
1cupall-purpose flour
½teaspoonrose water(optional) see notes
pistachios(for topping)
Instructions
Dough Mixing Method 1
In a large bowl, whisk ghee and powdered sugar using an electric hand whisk until pale, creamy and fluffy. You can add a few drops of orange blossom or rose water for aromatic flavour.
Gradually fold in the flour using a rubber spatula. The dough will start out crumbly, but this is normal. Once it begins to come together, use your hands to lighly knead it into a smooth dough.
Test the dough by taking a small portion and shaping it between your palms. It should be smooth without any cracks.
Cover the bowl and chill for 30 minutes.
Dough Mixing Method 2
Sift the flour and powdered sugar into a large bowl.
Add the ghee and mix until the dough just comes together.
Cover and chill the mixture for 30 minutes.
Shape the Cookies
Shaping method 1: Take a small portion of dough (about a tablespoon or 15-30g) and roll it between your palms to form a smooth ball. You can make around 24 balls.
Shaping method 2: Knead the chilled dough briefly on a lightly floured surface and shape it into a long rope of 2 cm thick. Using a knife, cut into 24 pieces. Roll each into smooth balls.
Gently press each ball between palms to flatten them lightly and place them on a lined baking sheet.
Press a pistachio or almond in the centre so it sticks.
Chill the tray of shaped cookie dough while the oven preheats.
Bake the Cookies
Preheat the oven to 150°C (300°F) while the shaped cookies are chilling.
Make sure the cookies are not placed too close to each other. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes only or until they are set.
Remove from oven and let it cool completely in the pan itself before you store in a container.
Notes
Have a question or looking for more tips? Please refer to the content above the recipe card. It often contains valuable explanations, tips, and ideas to enhance your cooking experience.