Copycat Panera Shortbread Cookies

This is a nice and easy Copycat Panera Shortbread Cookies you can make in just 20 minutes.

Who doesn’t love Panera Bread meals and desserts? One of those delicious treats is Panera Shortbread Cookies—buttery and crunchy cookies that everyone should try making.

I started with these shortbread cookies because they are easy to make and fit what I wanted at the moment. Next time, I plan to make the Panera Bread Tulip Cookie, which has a beautiful flower shape. I’m sure my kid will love it a lot.

Panera Shortbread Cookies are the kind of cookies that are light and full of delightful flavors. They pair perfectly with many drinks, like a Breakfast Shot or similar beverages.

What are Panera Shortbread Cookies?

Panera Shortbread Cookies are famous cookies from Panera Bread that everyone loves. They are made with butter, sugar, and flour, which makes them taste rich and buttery. These cookies are light and crispy, with a nice sweet flavor that melts in your mouth. I made these cookies rectangles with little holes for decoration, which makes them look special to me. People enjoy these cookies because they taste great, and also, go well with drinks like coffee, tea, or even fun drinks like Shots.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make Panera Shortbread Cookies?

Step 1:

First, set the oven to 325°F (163°C) so it’s ready for baking.

Step 2:

Mix the soft butter and sugar in a bowl until it’s smooth. Add a little salt and vanilla, then mix in the flour until it forms dough.

Step 3:

Put the dough on a floured surface and flatten it with a rolling pin. and cut out long shapes.

Step 4:

Use a fork to poke holes in each cookie (This is optional). Make about 10 holes with two holes in each line.

Step 5:

Place the cookies on a baking sheet with paper. Bake them for 12-15 minutes until the edges are light brown.

Step 6:

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then move them to a rack to cool completely. and Enjoy, You can make some frosting or creamy to add to the cookies or even some chocolate sauce.

Kitchen Equipment Needed:

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rolling pin
• Knife or cookie cutter
• Fork
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Wire rack

Helpful Tips!

• Mix the dough just until everything is combined. Don’t mix too much or the cookies might be hard.
• If the dough is too sticky, put it in the fridge for a little while to make it easier to handle
• Don’t forget to Roll the dough flat so all the cookies bake the same way.
• For the holes, I used a fork to make them gently so they don’t get squished.

What to Serve with Panera Shortbread Cookies?

Panera Shortbread Cookies are delicious on their own, the taste is sweet with that special buttery touch, so enjoy them with a glass of cold milk or a hot cup of ginger tea will be a good idea, which complements their buttery flavor perfectly. Also, a cup of fruit juice or a Cirtus smoothie like Yuzu Smoothie will make a great combination with the cookie. For some creamy textures, yogurt or a scoop of Grapico Ice Cream can be a good addition to your meal. I personally paired these cookies with Avocado Cucumber Salsa, and the combination was perfect for me. The fresh, cool flavors of the salsa go well with the buttery cookies.

FAQ

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, but you need to omit the additional salt in the recipe.

Can I add chocolate chips to the dough?

Yes, you can add chocolate chips or other mix-ins if you like.

How do I know when the cookies are done?

The cookies are done when the edges are light golden brown. or just from the overall color.

Can I use a different flavor extract?

Yes, you can substitute vanilla extract with almond or lemon extract for a different flavor.

How can I make the cookies more festive?

Try adding sprinkles or colored sugar on top before baking.

Why are my cookies not crispy?

Ensure the cookies are baked long enough.

Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to one month. Thaw it in the refrigerator before rolling it out and baking.

Conclusion

Panera Shortbread Cookies are so easy to make cookies that are tasty and fun to eat. With their buttery flavor and unique shape, they are sure to be loved by all the family even the kids. Share this recipe with your friends and family, and don’t forget to subscribe to my blog for more copycat cookie recipes.