During the holiday season, there are many family gatherings, and you often feel obligated to bring some sort of complicated dish to share. However, there is a little-known secret that you can fool everyone by whipping up this age-old recipe: Shortbread Butter Bars. With only four ingredients, you can whip this up in only 40 minutes and cause your family to believe that you spent all day baking.

Shortbread Butter Bars

  • Prep Time:10 minutes
  • Cook Time:30 minutes
  • Total Time:40 minutes
  • Servings:8-10
  • Easy

    Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
  • 2 cup flour
  • 2/3 cup sugar
  • 1 pinch salt
Photo by Olivia Paulson
  • Step 1

    Preheat oven to 350ºF degrees and line an 8×8 baking dish with parchment paper.

    GIF by Elena Besser
  • Step 2

    Place butter in a microwave safe bowl and microwave until melted, about 1-2 minutes.

    GIF by Elena Besser
  • Step 3

    Pour the melted butter into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.

    GIF by Elena Besser
  • Step 4

    Press into the bottom of your baking dish and bake for 30 minutes until outside is golden and the inside is still soft.

     

    GIF by Elena Besser
  • Step 5

    Cut into squares and enjoy.

    GIF by Elena Besser