Rose Water Shortbread Cookies

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Delicate cookies infused with the subtle floral note of rose water, perfect with a cup of tea. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 45 minutes layers all-purpose flour, unsalted butter, powdered sugar into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 120 calories and feeds 12, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 30 min Cook: 15 min Serves 12 American cuisine 120 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 cup powdered sugar; whisk to blend.
  2. Step 2: Add 1/2 cup cold cubed unsalted butter to the flour mixture; use a pastry cutter to cut butter into flour until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 tsp rose water until dough comes together.
  4. Step 4: Form dough into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 2 hours.
  5. Step 5: Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness on floured surface and cut into shapes.
  6. Step 6: Bake on parchment-lined sheet for 15-18 minutes until edges are golden.
  7. Step 7: Cool on sheet 5 minutes before transferring to wire rack.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Rose Water Shortbread Cookies take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (30 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Rose Water Shortbread Cookies?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Rose Water Shortbread Cookies?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Rose Water Shortbread Cookies for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Rose Water Shortbread Cookies?

American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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