Almond Tipped Shortbread Fingers

🍪 Almond Tipped Shortbread Fingers 🍪

Almond Tipped Shortbread Fingers are a delightful and classic Scottish dessert. They are beloved for their rich, buttery flavor and the delightful crunch of toasted almonds on top. Here’s everything you need to know about them, with a dash of emoji flair! 🤩

📜 History:
Shortbread has been a part of Scottish culinary tradition for centuries, dating back to at least the 12th century. Initially, it was considered a luxury item reserved for special occasions, like weddings and Christmas. Shortbread Fingers, in particular, are known for their rectangular shape and crumbly texture, and they’ve become a popular treat around the world.

🍽️ Components:
To make Almond Tipped Shortbread Fingers, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)

👩‍🍳 Preparation Steps:

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This might take about 3-5 minutes.

2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt.

3. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the creamed butter and sugar. Mix until a dough forms. Be careful not to overmix; you want a crumbly texture.

4. Shape the Dough: Form the dough into a rectangle, about 1/2 inch thick. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

5. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).

6. Cut and Decorate: Once the dough has chilled, cut it into finger-sized rectangles and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Press sliced almonds onto the top of each finger.

7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the edges start to turn golden brown.

8. Cool and Dust: Allow the shortbread fingers to cool on a wire rack. Once cooled, dust them with powdered sugar.

9. Enjoy: Your Almond Tipped Shortbread Fingers are ready to be enjoyed! They pair wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee.

⏰ Time Needed:
The total time needed to prepare Almond Tipped Shortbread Fingers is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, including both preparation and baking time. It’s worth noting that most of this time involves chilling and baking, so the active preparation time is relatively short.

Now you’re all set to enjoy these delicious and classic Scottish treats! 🎉🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿😋

Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Almond Tipped Shortbread Fingers:

Nutrition Facts (Approximate values for one serving, assuming the recipe yields 24 fingers):

• Calories: Approximately 140-160 calories per finger (varies depending on size and ingredients used).
• Total Fat: About 9-11 grams
  • Saturated Fat: Approximately 5-6 grams
• Cholesterol: Around 20-25 milligrams
• Sodium: Roughly 35-45 milligrams
• Total Carbohydrates: About 14-16 grams
  • Dietary Fiber: Approximately 0.5 grams
  • Sugars: Around 5-6 grams
• Protein: About 1-2 grams

Health Information:

1. Moderation: Almond Tipped Shortbread Fingers are delicious but should be enjoyed in moderation due to their relatively high calorie and fat content. They are a treat rather than an everyday snack.

2. Butter: The main source of fat in shortbread is butter, which contains saturated fat. High consumption of saturated fat can contribute to elevated cholesterol levels, so it’s best to consume these in moderation.

3. Portion Control: It’s easy to overindulge in these tasty treats, so be mindful of portion sizes to avoid excessive calorie intake.

4. Nutritional Variations: You can make healthier versions of shortbread by experimenting with alternative flours (e.g., whole wheat or almond flour) and reducing the amount of sugar and butter used.

5. Almonds: While almonds on top of shortbread can add a nice crunch and some nutrition, they also contribute extra calories and healthy fats. Almonds are a good source of vitamin E and healthy monounsaturated fats.

6. Balanced Diet: Shortbread fingers should be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet that includes a variety of foods rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.

Remember, enjoying occasional treats like Almond Tipped Shortbread Fingers can be a delightful part of a balanced lifestyle, but it’s essential to be mindful of portion sizes and overall dietary choices for optimal health.