Mrs. Iona’s Shortbread Cookie Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a bake sale-worthy recipe, look no further. Mrs. Iona’s Shortbread Cookies have long been a favorite at the Red Bird Bake Sale, hosted each year at Bethel United Methodist Church in Charleston, South Carolina. Mrs. Iona’s paper doll-shaped shortbread, or her “little men” as she calls them, are buttery with a subtle sweetness. They have a satisfying snap when you bite into them, but then they melt immediately in your mouth—just as shortbread should. While the recipe is a little time-consuming, given the rolling, cutting, and baking for two hours, the cookies are otherwise simple to make and well worth the effort. And because the recipe makes such a large batch, there is no need to eat them all at once: The cookies freeze nicely, or if you keep them in an airtight bag or container, they will be good for a few weeks. You can also make them feel festive for any occasion by using seasonal cookie cutters: Angels are a sweet choice for Christmas, while flowers would be perfect for spring parties.