Shrewsbury Cookies Recipe (Butter Cookies)
A Delightful Snack for All Occasions
Shrewsbury cookies, often known as butter cookies, are a classic treat that never goes out of style. Perfectly crisp, subtly sweet, and delicately buttery, these cookies are a favorite in tea parties and snack boxes. Originating from the quaint town of Shrewsbury in England, these delightful biscuits have a rich, melt-in-the-mouth texture that makes them irresistible.
Whether you’re serving them alongside a hot cup of Masala Tea or packing them in your children’s snack box, Shrewsbury cookies bring a touch of elegance and comfort to any occasion. Here’s a detailed, easy-to-follow recipe to make these buttery delights at home.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All Purpose Flour (Maida) | 2 cups |
| Unsalted Butter | 80 grams |
| Powdered Sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Whole Egg | 1 |
| Milk | 3 tablespoons |
| Baking Soda | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Salt | A pinch |
Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving):
| Nutrient | Amount (Per Serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Protein | 1 g |
| Carbohydrates | 24 g |
| Fat | 9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5 g |
| Cholesterol | 45 mg |
| Sodium | 40 mg |
| Fiber | 0.5 g |
| Sugar | 8 g |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Continental
Course: Snack
Diet: Vegetarian
Step-by-Step Instructions:
-
Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
Start by sieving the all-purpose flour (maida) into a large mixing bowl. This helps in ensuring that the flour is light and free of any lumps. Add a pinch of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda to the flour and mix them well. This combination will help the cookies bake evenly and develop a slightly crispy texture. -
Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a separate mixing bowl, take the 80 grams of unsalted butter and the 1/2 cup of powdered sugar. Using a hand mixer or a whisk, beat the butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process is essential to incorporate air into the batter, which will make the cookies light and tender. -
Add Egg and Mix:
Crack the whole egg into the butter and sugar mixture. Beat the mixture again until the egg is fully incorporated, and the batter turns smooth and creamy. The egg helps to bind the ingredients and gives the cookies their soft texture. -
Combine Dry Ingredients and Wet Mixture:
Slowly add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula. Once the dry ingredients are incorporated, add 3 tablespoons of milk to the dough. Continue mixing until a soft dough forms. -
Knead the Dough:
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently for a minute or two until it becomes smooth. Be careful not to overwork the dough as this can make the cookies tough. -
Shape the Cookies:
Roll the dough out to about 1/4 inch thickness. Using a cookie cutter, cut out round shapes from the dough. You can also use a glass or any round object if you don’t have a cookie cutter. Place the cut-out rounds on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Be sure to leave some space between each cookie, as they will expand slightly during baking. -
Bake the Cookies:
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Once the oven is ready, place the baking sheet with the cookies in the center rack and bake them for about 20 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies turn golden brown. Keep an eye on them as baking times may vary depending on your oven. -
Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack. This helps them to firm up and maintain their crisp texture. Once cooled completely, your Shrewsbury butter cookies are ready to serve.
Serving Suggestions:
These cookies are best enjoyed with a hot cup of tea—preferably Masala Tea for a traditional touch. They also pair wonderfully with a Spicy Chutney Sandwich with Mayo, making them an ideal snack for tea parties or casual gatherings. Additionally, pack them in your kids’ lunchbox or enjoy them as a midday treat for a little indulgence.
Tips for Perfect Shrewsbury Cookies:
- Butter Temperature: Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming with the sugar. If the butter is too hard or too melted, the texture of the cookies may be compromised.
- Flour Measurement: Be sure to measure the flour accurately. Too much flour can result in dry cookies, so it’s best to sift and spoon the flour into the measuring cup, then level it off.
- Cookie Thickness: The thickness of the dough determines the cookie’s texture. If you prefer crispier cookies, roll the dough thinner; for softer cookies, roll it thicker.
- Flavor Variations: For an extra touch, you can add a pinch of vanilla extract or lemon zest to the dough for a fragrant twist.
Why You’ll Love These Shrewsbury Butter Cookies:
These Shrewsbury cookies are everything a butter cookie should be—mildly sweet, perfectly buttery, and just the right amount of crunch. The simplicity of the ingredients allows the flavor of butter to shine through, making them a beloved treat in many households. Whether served as a snack or packed for a picnic, they never fail to delight.
