Disney Shortbread Cookies Recipe

Are These Really Disney Shortbread Cookies?

Yes! This isn't a copycat recreation. Disney shared this shortbread cookie recipe from Disneyland Resort, and I couldn't wait to try it.

I found the original recipe in a Disney Parks PDF. The original recipe makes a large batch of giant Mickey-shaped cookies, so I've adapted it to a smaller half-batch that yields about 18 smaller cookies.

What Makes Disney's Shortbread Cookie Recipe a Keeper

• The recipe can easily be halved, to make a smaller batch of cookies.
• The ingredients are basic, nothing fancy.
• The cookies hold their shape, with no spreading.
• The chocolate sets making them easy to store.

Tips & Tricks

• Use softened butter. Let the butter soften at room temperature so it creams smoothly with the powdered sugar.
• Don't overmix the flour. Add the flour gradually and mix just until incorporated for tender shortbread.
• Chill the dough. The dough needs time to firm up before rolling. This also makes it easier to cut clean shapes.
• Freeze the cut cookies briefly. A short 10–15 minute freeze helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.
• Don't overbake. The cookies are ready when the edges are just beginning to turn golden brown.
• Adjust the baking time for size. Disney's original recipe calls for larger cookies, so smaller cookies may need less time in the oven.
• Use fresh orange zest. Freshly grated orange zest gives the cookies the best flavor.
• Don't skip the chocolate. The chocolate coating is what gives these cookies their signature Disney-inspired finish.
• Use any shape you like. Mickey Mouse cookie cutters are fun, but these cookies work beautifully with Christmas trees, stars, hearts, or other shapes.

Ingredients

• Salted Butter: Softened butter creates the rich, buttery base of the shortbread. Disney's recipe uses salted butter.
• Powdered Sugar: Powdered sugar gives the cookies a smooth texture and delicate sweetness.
• Egg White: Helps bind the dough together and contributes to the cookie's tender texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds classic vanilla flavor.
• Orange Zest: Fresh orange zest gives these cookies their subtle citrus flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: Creates the structure for the shortbread dough.
• Chocolate or Almond Bark: Used to coat the tops of the cooled cookies. Disney's recipe calls for dipping chocolate.

See the recipe card below for complete ingredient amounts.

How To Make Disney Shortbread Cookies

Before making the recipe, be sure to read through the tips and instructions below. You can also watch the step-by-step video to see how I make a batch.

Step 1: Make the shortbread dough. Cream the softened butter and powdered sugar together with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add the egg white, vanilla extract, and orange zest. Mix on medium speed until the egg white is fully incorporated.

Step 2: Add the flour. Add the flour one cup at a time, mixing just until incorporated. Be careful not to overmix the dough. Shape the dough into a disc and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.

Step 3: Chill the dough. Refrigerate the dough for 2 hours. Chilling makes the dough easier to roll and helps the cookies hold their shape during baking.

Step 4: Roll and cut the cookies. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about ½-inch thick. Cut the dough into Mickey Mouse shapes or your favorite cookie shapes and place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets.

Step 5: Freeze the cookies. Place the baking sheets in the freezer for 10–15 minutes. This extra chilling step helps prevent the cookies from spreading in the oven.

Step 6: Bake. Bake the cookies for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden brown.

Note: The original Disney recipe calls for 17–20 minutes because it makes larger cookies. Since I made smaller cookies, mine were done in about 14 minutes.

Step 7: Cool. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets briefly, then transfer them to a wire rack. Let the cookies cool completely before adding the chocolate.

Step 8: Coat the cookies. Melt the dipping chocolate according to the package instructions. Spoon chocolate over the top of each cookie and spread it evenly. You can also dip the tops directly into the melted chocolate.

Step 10: Let the chocolate set. Place the cookies on parchment paper and allow the chocolate to harden for about 15 minutes. Once set, the cookies are ready to enjoy or package for gifting.

Can I Make These Without Mickey Mouse Cookie Cutters?

Absolutely! Disney uses Mickey Mouse shapes for these cookies, but the shortbread dough works beautifully with any cookie cutter.

Try Christmas trees, stars, hearts, snowflakes, or whatever shapes you have on hand.

They're especially fun during the holidays when you can use seasonal cookie cutters and add colored sprinkles before the cookies bake.

Why Do I Need To Freeze the Cookies Before Baking?

The short freeze helps the butter in the dough firm back up after the cookies have been rolled and cut.

This helps the cookies hold their shape in the oven instead of spreading.

It's especially helpful when you're making detailed shapes like Mickey Mouse cookies.

Disney Shortbread Cookie FAQs

More Disney Cookie Recipes

Love Disney cookies? Don't miss my growing collection of Disney Cookie Recipes, where I've gathered official Disney recipes and copycat versions inspired by cookies from Disney Resorts and Disney Springs.

You'll find everything from Disney's Wilderness Lodge Molasses Crackle Cookies and Grand Floridian Chocolate Chip Cookies to Disney Cookie Num Nums and other favorite Disney treats.

More Copycat Recipes

If you love recreating your favorite treats at home, don't miss my Copycat Recipes collection. You'll find recipes inspired by Disney, famous hotels, restaurants, bakeries, and nostalgic grocery-store favorites.

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