Ted Lasso's Shortbread Cookies Are Just as Delicious as They Look on TV

There are about a million reasons to fall for accidental British soccer coach Ted Lasso, whether it be his unwavering optimism or his snappy yet wise one-liners. But today, that reason is introducing me to one of the best cookies (or biscuits) I've ever had.

"Biscuits with the boss" has become an almost ceremonial occasion on the show when Ted shares homemade cookies with his boss, Rebecca, in exchange for a little bit of quality time together. That light pink box of goodies is like a familiar friend in every episode. Ever since season 1 of Ted Lasso (on Apple TV+), I've wanted to know the magic behind Ted's secret shortbread biscuit recipe, and thanks to the copycat version by Salt Harvest Creatives, I finally got a taste of it for myself.

The real beauty behind these cookies is the simplicity. The butter, sugar, and vanilla work in perfect harmony to create a delicate balance of flaky and tender. In fact, this recipe was incredibly uncomplicated, only calling for a mere five ingredients. The cookies are drier than you might be used to from a traditional sugar cookie, but all the better for enjoying with a pot of garbage water (or coffee, if you prefer).

You can make this easy recipe a little more complicated—but a whole lot cuter—by making the accompanying pink boxes as well (or you can buy them here). Tie them up with string and you have a thoughtful gift idea for holidays or hosts. In my opinion, the little carrying boxes make the biscuits taste that much sweeter.

How to Make Ted Lasso's Secret Shortbread Biscuits

Recipe adapted from Salt Harvest Creatives

• 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup white sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish and line with parchment paper.
2. Cut the butter into small chunks and set aside until it reaches room temperature. In a large bowl of stand mixer, combine flour, sugar, and salt until well mixed.
3. Add in the vanilla and cut butter, and mix on medium-low until crumbly and no butter chunks remain.
4. Press the dough lightly into the baking dish until smooth on top, and prick the surface a few dozen times with a fork. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until golden brown.