Grandma’s Shortbread Recipe
Overview:
This melt-in-your-mouth shortbread recipe is a true classic, passed down from generation to generation. Perfect for any occasion, these easy-to-make cookies are a delight to bake with kids, especially when you want to add a touch of fun with colorful sprinkles. With just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll have a batch of delicious shortbread ready to enjoy in no time!
- Cuisine: Scottish, European
- Category: Dessert
- Keywords: Cookie & Brownie, Scottish, European, Christmas, < 30 Mins, Oven, Easy
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup icing sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup butter, softened
Instructions:
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Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the cornstarch, icing sugar, and flour. This ensures a smooth and evenly textured shortbread.
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Mix Butter: Using a wooden spoon, blend in the softened butter until a soft, smooth dough forms. The butter should be well incorporated into the dry ingredients.
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Shape Dough: Now comes the fun part! Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and place them onto the prepared baking sheet. Alternatively, you can roll the dough out to about 1/2 inch thickness and use cookie cutters to create fun shapes.
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Bake: Place the shaped cookies onto the baking sheet and gently flatten each one with a fork. This not only adds a classic shortbread look but also helps them bake evenly.
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Bake: Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them as shortbread can easily overbake.
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Cool and Enjoy: Once baked, allow the shortbread cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Optional: If you’re feeling extra festive, sprinkle some colorful sprinkles over the cookies before baking or dust them with a light coating of icing sugar once cooled.
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 89.7
- Fat: 5.8g
- Saturated Fat: 3.6g
- Cholesterol: 15.2mg
- Sodium: 51mg
- Carbohydrates: 8.9g
- Fiber: 0.2g
- Sugar: 2.5g
- Protein: 0.6g
Tips:
- Ensure the butter is softened but not melted for the best texture.
- Sifting the dry ingredients helps to aerate them, resulting in a lighter shortbread.
- Don’t overmix the dough, as this can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- For an extra special touch, dip the cooled shortbread in melted chocolate or drizzle with caramel sauce.
- Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, although they’re likely to disappear much faster!
Conclusion:
Grandma’s Shortbread is a timeless treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking them for a holiday gathering, a cozy night in, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, these buttery delights are sure to be a hit with everyone. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in the irresistible goodness of homemade shortbread! 🍪✨