Is there a cookie more classic than shortbread? This simple and simply delicious treat dates back centuries, and its basic recipe is the perfect alchemy of ingredients every baker and home cook already has. Like any cookie, there are tons of variations out there and ways to dress it up, but at the end of the day it’s one of those treats where you’ll always come back to the very basic recipe. Where to find that recipe? Why, from Martha Stewart’s Everyday Food, of course! Today they’re showing us the traditional way of baking them, and it couldn’t be easier or more satisfying. Plus, it’s unlikely you’ll have to run to the store to get the ingredients. Instead, just check your pantry, then check this out!

4 Ingredients You Already Have

– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 ¼ teaspoons coarse salt
– 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened, plus more for pan
– ¾ cup confectioners’ sugar

Simple, classic, and delicious! We love that you can make these as far ahead of time as you need to, since they only get better with age. Get your full recipe over on Martha Stewart’s site and be sure to tell us if you give them a try. Do you make your own shortbread cookies? Have you ever made them with shortening instead of butter? Tell us about your baking experiences!