Scottish Shortbread Recipe
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Category: Bar Cookie
Cuisine: Scottish, European
Servings: 50
Yield: 1 batch
Description
This traditional Scottish Shortbread recipe from Love With Recipes offers the perfect balance of buttery flavor and crumbly texture, making it an ideal treat for Christmas, afternoon tea, or large gatherings. With only a few ingredients, this classic dessert is simple to prepare yet delivers a delightful, melt-in-your-mouth experience. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is an easy way to bring a taste of Scotland into your kitchen. Share this delightful treat with friends and family and enjoy the timeless goodness of homemade shortbread.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter | 1 cup (2 sticks) |
| All-purpose Flour | 1 cup |
| Granulated Sugar | 5 tbsp |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 126.1 kcal |
| Total Fat | 7.5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4.7 g |
| Cholesterol | 19.5 mg |
| Sodium | 52.5 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 13.5 g |
| Fiber | 0.3 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Protein | 1.4 g |
Instructions
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Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the butter, flour, and sugar. Using your hands, mix these ingredients together until the dough forms a large, cohesive ball. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
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Knead the dough: Transfer the dough onto a flat surface, such as a breadboard or countertop. Knead the dough thoroughly for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial to ensure the shortbread develops the proper texture.
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Shape the dough: After kneading, divide the dough into 5 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a round disk or shape that fits comfortably into a greased 8- or 9-inch round cake pan.
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Flatten the dough: Press the dough flat using the heel of your hand, ensuring an even thickness across each piece. This will help the shortbread bake uniformly.
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Prick the dough: Using a fork, prick the surface of the dough lightly. This helps the shortbread bake evenly and gives it the characteristic appearance of traditional Scottish shortbread.
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Bake: Place the cake pan in a preheated oven at 350Β°F (175Β°C). Bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the shortbread is golden brown and firm to the touch.
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Cool and cut: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool for about 2 minutes. While itβs still warm, immediately cut the shortbread into triangle shapes or your preferred style. Allow the shortbread to cool completely before serving.
Tips for Perfect Scottish Shortbread
- Use quality butter: The flavor of the butter really shines in shortbread, so choose the best quality butter you can find for the best results.
- Chill the dough: If the dough feels too soft or sticky to handle, refrigerate it for 10-15 minutes before shaping and baking.
- Customize the flavor: For a subtle twist, consider adding a dash of vanilla extract, or experiment with flavorings like lemon zest or almond extract.
- Serve with tea: Serve these melt-in-your-mouth shortbreads with a cup of tea for the perfect Scottish experience.
Enjoy your homemade Scottish Shortbread, and share the timeless joy of this classic treat with your loved ones.
