How to Make Shortbread (Easy Scottish Recipe)
Ingredients
- 340 g all-purpose flour
2 ¾ cups
- 100 g sugar
1/2 cup
- 227 g salted butter softened
2 sticks
extra sugar to sprinkle on top
Directions
- 1
Start by mixing the butter and sugar together, but DO NOT CREAM them. The butter shouldn't be too soft, but also not straight from the fridge, especially if you use a mixer. These two ingredients should be thoroughly amalgamated, but not creamed.
- 2
Then add the flour and mix to a stiff consistency. Don't overwork the dough; stop when it just comes together. That's it, you've just made shortbread dough: I told you it was easy!
- 3
Roll out into the shape of a pan or tin you want to bake them in. I baked this in an 8 x 8 pan. Trim the edges to the approximate size.
- 4
FINGERS: Place it in the pan of your choice. One mistake many people make is rolling the shortbread too thin. Proper shortbread should be quite thick (no less than 3/4" or 2cm if making fingers). Tip: make sure your fingers are wide enough that a fork can prick them. Use a bench scraper or knife to cut the dough into fingers. Next, prick the shortbread with a fork, about half way through.
- 5
ROUND: You can also shape the dough into a ball, roll it out into a round, and score into triangles, then prick with a fork.
- 6
MOULD: (brush the mold with a little oil, and sugar first to ensure it comes out nicely). Roll out the dough, place over the mould and roll again to press into it. Remove the excess dough then turn out onto a tray. If your shortbread mould doesn't have a pretty design, prick it with a fork
- 7
CUT OUT SHAPES: roll out more thinly (as with sugar cookies) and cut with cookie cutter. Place onto prepared baking sheet and prick evenly.
- 8
Place in preheated oven for 15 to 30 minutes (depending on which thickness or shape) or until slightly brown on edges. Sprinkle with sugar immediately upon removing from the oven. Shortbread shouldn't be darkly colored. Let your shortbread cool on or in the pan or tray before moving to rack to cool completely.
How to Make Shortbread (Easy Scottish Recipe)
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About this Recipe
Craving the simple, melt-in-your-mouth goodness of classic Scottish shortbread? This easy recipe delivers authentic, buttery perfection with just three essential ingredients, bringing a taste of tradition right to your kitchen.
What makes this recipe truly special is its unwavering commitment to tradition and simplicity. By focusing on just three core ingredients—flour, sugar, and butter—you unlock a shortbread that's rich in flavor and wonderfully tender, a true testament to its Scottish heritage. The high butter content is key to achieving that signature delicate crumb that defines great shortbread.
Prepare for a delightful treat that boasts an incredibly rich, buttery flavor with a balanced sweetness. Each bite offers a tender, crumbly texture that dissolves in your mouth, leaving a comforting warmth. It's a surprisingly easy baking project that yields impressive results, perfect for both novice and experienced bakers seeking a taste of authentic simplicity. You'll love how effortlessly it comes together, transforming into golden perfection.
This classic shortbread offers subtle flexibility while staying true to its roots. While the recipe calls for salted butter, you can easily use unsalted butter; just remember to add a good pinch of salt to balance the flavors. For an extra touch of sweetness and sparkle, don't forget the optional sprinkle of sugar on top before baking. It adds a lovely textural contrast and visual appeal.
Serve this delightful shortbread alongside a cup of tea or coffee, as a simple yet elegant dessert, or package it beautifully as a heartfelt homemade gift. Its timeless appeal makes it suitable for any occasion, from quiet afternoons to festive gatherings.