Sure, let’s dive into the delightful world of Scotch Shortbread! 🍪 This classic recipe hailing from Scotland is a true treat for any occasion, whether it’s Christmas festivities or simply a cozy afternoon indulgence. With its buttery, crumbly texture and irresistible flavor, it’s bound to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.
Scotch Shortbread Recipe
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 12-24 pieces (depends on the size of shapes)
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions:
-
Cream Together Butter and Sugar:
In a mixing bowl, combine the butter (at room temperature) and sugar. Using a hand mixer or a wooden spoon, beat them together until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture, so take your time to ensure the mixture is well combined. -
Work in the Flour:
Gradually add the flour to the butter-sugar mixture, working it in with your hands. The dough should come together to form a cohesive mass. Don’t overmix; just work the flour in until it’s fully incorporated. -
Chill the Dough:
Once the dough is formed, wrap it in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough not only makes it easier to handle but also helps to enhance the flavor and texture of the shortbread. -
Roll Out the Dough:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator and place it on a lightly floured surface. Roll it out to a thickness of about 1/3 to 1/2 inch. You can use a rolling pin to achieve an even thickness. -
Cut Into Shapes:
Using cookie cutters or a sharp knife, cut the dough into desired shapes. Traditional shapes include rectangles, rounds, or triangles, but feel free to get creative with your designs. Arrange the cutouts on an ungreased baking sheet, leaving a little space between each piece. -
Bake:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the shortbread for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them as they bake; you want them to be cooked through but not overly browned on top. -
Cool and Enjoy:
Once baked, remove the shortbread from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. The tops of the shortbread will remain pale, while the bottoms will have a lovely golden hue. Serve and enjoy!
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 193.7
- Fat: 11.7g
- Saturated Fat: 7.3g
- Cholesterol: 30.5mg
- Sodium: 82.1mg
- Carbohydrates: 20.1g
- Fiber: 0.6g
- Sugar: 4.2g
- Protein: 2.3g
Recipe Notes:
- Butter: It’s essential to use good quality butter for the best flavor. Salted or unsalted butter can be used, depending on your preference. If using unsalted butter, you may want to add a pinch of salt to the dough.
- Flour: All-purpose flour works perfectly in this recipe, providing the right balance of structure and tenderness to the shortbread.
- Customization: Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your taste. You can add a sprinkle of sugar on top before baking for a touch of sweetness, or even incorporate flavorings such as vanilla extract, citrus zest, or chopped nuts for a twist on the classic flavor.
- Storage: Store the cooled shortbread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They also freeze well, so you can make a batch ahead of time and have them ready whenever you need a sweet treat.
There you have it! A scrumptious recipe for Scotch Shortbread that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a cozy snack, these buttery delights are guaranteed to hit the spot. Enjoy every crumb! 🎉
