Lime & Almond Shortbread Recipe
Introduction:
This Lime & Almond Shortbread recipe is a delightful twist on the traditional Scottish shortbread, infused with the zesty freshness of lime and the nutty aroma of almond. Originally inspired by Gerhard Jenne’s Lemon Almond Shortbread, this version takes the flavor profile up a notch with the vibrant tanginess of lime. With its exquisite taste and subtle nuances, this shortbread is sure to become a favorite among your family and friends. Quick and easy to prepare, it’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family gathering or a festive Christmas celebration.
Recipe Overview:
- Name: Lime & Almond Shortbread
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Recipe Category: Scottish
- Keywords: European, Christmas, < 30 Minutes, For Large Groups
- Servings: 16
- Aggregated Rating: 3 (based on 3 reviews)
Ingredients:
- 125g caster sugar
- 250g butter
- 1 egg yolk
- 300g flour
- 125g almond meal
- Zest of 1 lime
- Juice of 1 lime
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 265.9
- Fat Content: 17.7g
- Saturated Fat Content: 8.5g
- Cholesterol Content: 45.2mg
- Sodium Content: 120.3mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 23.9g
- Fiber Content: 1.6g
- Sugar Content: 8.3g
- Protein Content: 4.2g
Instructions:
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Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and caster sugar until pale and smooth, using either a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment.
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Add Egg Yolk: Once the butter and sugar are well combined, add the egg yolk and continue to mix well until fully incorporated.
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Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the sifted flour and almond meal to the mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
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Add Lime Zest and Juice: Grate the zest of one lime directly into the dough mixture. Squeeze the juice from the lime and add it as well. This will infuse the shortbread with a burst of citrus flavor.
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Mix Well: Beat the dough well to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly distributed and the lime flavor is infused throughout.
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Roll Out Dough: On a clean surface lightly dusted with flour, roll out the dough to your desired thickness. Use a rolling pin to achieve an even thickness.
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Cut into Pieces: Using a sharp knife or cookie cutter, cut the rolled-out dough into individual pieces or shapes. Traditional shortbread shapes like rectangles or wedges work well.
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Prepare Baking Tray: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Prepare a baking tray by greasing it with butter or lining it with parchment paper.
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Arrange Shortbread: Carefully transfer the cut-out shortbread pieces onto the prepared baking tray, leaving some space between each piece to allow for spreading during baking.
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Prick Shortbread: Using a fork or a toothpick, gently prick the surface of each shortbread piece. This helps prevent air bubbles from forming during baking and gives the shortbread its characteristic texture.
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Bake: Place the baking tray in the preheated oven and bake the shortbread for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown around the edges. Keep an eye on them as baking times may vary depending on your oven and the thickness of the shortbread.
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Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the shortbread from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on the baking tray before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve and enjoy!
Tips:
- For an extra burst of citrus flavor, you can sprinkle some additional lime zest on top of the shortbread just before baking.
- If you prefer a sweeter shortbread, you can dust the cooled shortbread with powdered sugar before serving.
- These shortbread cookies make a wonderful homemade gift. Package them in a decorative box or tin for a thoughtful and delicious present.
Conclusion:
With its delicate balance of sweet buttery richness, nutty almond undertones, and zesty lime freshness, this Lime & Almond Shortbread is a true delight for the senses. Whether enjoyed with a cup of tea as a comforting treat or served as part of a festive spread during the holidays, these homemade cookies are sure to impress. Give this recipe a try and experience the joy of baking something truly special from scratch.