Simple Scotch Shortbread Recipe
Description: Delight in the classic taste of Scottish tradition with this Simple Scotch Shortbread recipe, perfect for sharing and enjoying any time of year. This buttery, crumbly shortbread is a beloved dessert that’s easy to make and even easier to savor.
Category: Dessert
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Keywords: Cookie & Brownie, Scottish, European, Christmas, < 60 Mins, Beginner Cook, Easy
Ingredients:
- 1 cup butter (softened, at room temperature)
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 cups flour
Instructions:
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Cream the Butter and Sugar: Begin by placing the softened butter and sugar into a mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer or a wooden spoon, cream these ingredients together until they are light and fluffy. The mixture should be smooth and pale in color.
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Incorporate the Flour: Gradually add the flour to the butter-sugar mixture, stirring continuously. It’s best to add the flour a little at a time to ensure it mixes in evenly and avoids lumps. Once fully combined, the dough should come together and start to form a soft, cohesive mass.
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Knead the Dough: Divide the dough into two equal parts. On a lightly floured surface, knead each piece of dough for about 5 minutes or until it becomes smooth and elastic. This step helps to develop the texture and crumb of the shortbread.
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Shape the Dough: Roll out each piece of dough into a round shape, approximately ½ inch thick. Place the rolled dough onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper. To ensure the classic shortbread texture, use a fork to prick the surface of the dough all over. This prevents the dough from puffing up during baking and gives it that characteristic appearance.
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Bake the Shortbread: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Bake the dough in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. Keep an eye on the shortbread during the last few minutes to prevent over-browning.
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Cut and Cool: Once baked, remove the shortbread from the oven and immediately cut it into 8 wedges while it is still warm. Lightly sprinkle the surface with additional sugar for a touch of sweetness. Allow the shortbread to cool completely on the baking tray before transferring to a wire rack.
Yield: 8 wedges
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 365.6
- Fat Content: 23.3 g
- Saturated Fat Content: 14.6 g
- Cholesterol Content: 61 mg
- Sodium Content: 164.1 mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 36.4 g
- Fiber Content: 0.8 g
- Sugar Content: 12.6 g
- Protein Content: 3.5 g
Enjoy the rich, buttery goodness of this traditional Scottish shortbread. Perfect for a cozy afternoon tea or as a delightful treat for special occasions. Whether it’s a festive Christmas gathering or a simple weeknight indulgence, these shortbread cookies are sure to be a hit!
