Glazed and Sugared Shortbread Cookies Recipe

Introduction

At Love With Recipes, we understand that the essence of a perfect cookie lies in its simplicity, texture, and flavor harmony. The Glazed and Sugared Shortbread cookies exemplify these qualities through their buttery richness, delicate crumb, and irresistible sugary coating. Originating from the storied traditions of Scottish baking, these cookies have captivated dessert lovers for generations, offering a melt-in-your-mouth experience that is both nostalgic and sophisticated. Their understated elegance makes them an ideal treat for festive occasions such as Christmas, Hanukkah, Thanksgiving, St. Patrick’s Day, or as a delightful accompaniment to afternoon tea. The process of creating these cookies involves minimal ingredients, straightforward techniques, and quick baking times, making them accessible even for novice bakers while still delighting seasoned pastry enthusiasts.

This detailed guide, published on Love With Recipes, aims to provide comprehensive insights into every aspect of preparing, customizing, and enjoying these delectable treats. From selecting quality ingredients to mastering techniques and discovering creative variations, this extensive overview will equip you with all the knowledge necessary to elevate your baking game and share memorable moments with loved ones over these charming cookies.

Time

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 18 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 28 minutes

Needed Equipment

• Oven (conventional or convection)
• Mixing bowls (preferably stainless steel or glass)
• Electric hand or stand mixer with paddle attachment
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sifter or fine-mesh sieve
• Rolling pin
• Floured surface or baking mat
• Cookie cutters (various shapes or rounds)
• Baking sheets (preferably ungreased or lined with parchment paper)
• Wire cooling racks
• Small mixing bowls for glaze preparation
• Small whisk or spoon for stirring glaze
• Pastry brush (optional, for applying glaze)

Tags

Cookie & Brownie, Scottish, European, Low Protein, Kid Friendly, Christmas, Hanukkah, Thanksgiving, St. Patrick’s Day, Quick & Easy, Oven, Dessert

Serving Size

This recipe yields approximately 48 two-inch cookies, which makes it perfect for sharing at parties, family gatherings, or holiday celebrations. Typically, a serving consists of 2 cookies, making the total servings around 24. Adjust accordingly based on your needs or occasion.

Difficulty Level

Easy. This recipe involves straightforward techniques—mainly mixing, rolling, cutting, baking, and glazing—making it suitable for bakers of all skill levels, including beginners and children under supervision.

Allergen Information

Dietary Preference

Vegetarian. These cookies are free from animal-derived ingredients other than dairy, making them unsuitable for vegans due to butter. For vegan options, substitutions with plant-based fats can be explored.

Course

Dessert, Snack, Holiday Treat

Cuisine

Scottish, European

Ingredients

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). This ensures that the oven reaches the optimal temperature for baking the shortbread cookies evenly and thoroughly. While the oven heats, gather all your ingredients and equipment, and prepare your workspace to facilitate a smooth baking process.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a small mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt. Use a sifter or fine-mesh sieve to aerate and evenly distribute these dry ingredients, which helps prevent clumping and ensures a consistent dough texture. Whisk the mixture thoroughly, then set aside for later use.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, add the softened unsalted butter. Using an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter on medium speed for approximately 3 minutes until it becomes fluffy and light in color. This process incorporates air into the butter, contributing to the tender crumb of the cookies.

Gradually add the sugar (1/2 cup) to the butter, continuing to beat until fully combined. The mixture should be smooth, creamy, and slightly increased in volume. Achieving this texture is vital for the delicate melt-in-the-mouth quality characteristic of traditional shortbread.

Step 4: Incorporate Vanilla

Add 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix on low speed until the vanilla is fully incorporated, ensuring the flavor is evenly distributed throughout the dough. Vanilla enhances the sweetness and adds a subtle depth to the flavor profile.

Step 5: Gradually Add Dry Ingredients

Reduce mixer speed to low, then gradually add the dry flour mixture into the creamed butter. Mix just until the ingredients are combined and form a cohesive dough. Be cautious not to overmix, as this can develop gluten, resulting in tougher cookies. The dough should be soft but manageable.

Step 6: Roll Out the Dough

Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Using a floured rolling pin, roll the dough to a thickness of approximately 1/4 inch (0.6 cm). Ensure even rolling to facilitate uniform baking and consistent cookie thickness. If the dough becomes sticky, lightly dust with additional flour as needed.

Step 7: Cut Out Cookies

Use cookie cutters of your choice—classic rounds, festive shapes, or custom designs—to cut out individual cookies from the rolled dough. Carefully lift each shape and place it onto ungreased baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch of space between each to allow for slight spread.

Gather any scraps, reroll, and cut additional shapes to maximize yield, ensuring not to over-handle the dough to prevent warming and softening.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Place the prepared baking sheets into the preheated oven. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close watch during the final minutes to prevent overbaking, which can make the cookies brittle.

Once baked, remove the sheets from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This resting period helps them firm up slightly, preventing breakage during transfer.

Transfer the cookies to wire racks to cool completely before glazing. Cooling on racks ensures proper air circulation, preventing condensation and sogginess.

Step 9: Prepare the Glaze

In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar and water. Stir with a whisk or spoon until smooth and free of lumps. The glaze should be thick but pourable. Adjust consistency by adding more water or powdered sugar as needed.

If desired, add a few drops of vanilla or lemon extract to enhance flavor. For a more vibrant appearance, consider tinting the glaze with food coloring, although traditional shortbread favors a simple white glaze.

Step 10: Glaze and Coat

Dip the top edges of each cooled cookie into the glaze, allowing excess to drip off. Immediately dip the glazed edge into granulated sugar for a crunchy, sugary finish. Alternatively, use a pastry brush to apply the glaze onto the surface, then sprinkle with sugar for a more controlled application.

Place the glazed cookies on a wire rack to allow the glaze to set. This process typically takes about 15-20 minutes. For a quicker setting, you can place the cookies in a cool, dry area or refrigerate briefly.

Once the glaze has hardened, your cookies are ready to serve or store.

Preparation Tips

• Use high-quality, fresh butter for the best flavor and texture. Cold butter may result in a crumbly dough, so ensure it’s softened to room temperature.
• Do not overmix the dough after adding the dry ingredients, as this can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until ingredients are combined.
• Chill the dough if it becomes too soft or sticky, wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerating for 15-20 minutes.
• For uniform cookies, roll out the dough to an even thickness using a guide or rolling pin rings.
• Experiment with different cookie cutter shapes to suit various occasions or themes.
• Adjust baking time based on your oven’s calibration; start checking for doneness at 15 minutes.
• For a more decadent flavor, add a touch of lemon or almond extract to the dough or glaze.

Nutritional Information

Tips and Tricks

• For a richer flavor, substitute part of the butter with browned butter, which adds a nutty aroma.
• Use a pizza cutter or scalloped cookie cutter to create decorative edges for a more elegant presentation.
• Apply flavored glazes—such as lemon or orange—by adding zest and juice for a citrusy twist.
• Store the baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or freeze for longer storage.
• For a colorful presentation, sprinkle edible glitter or colored sugar over the glaze before it sets.
• Consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a subtle spice variation.

Add-ons

• Chocolate drizzles or chips for a decadent touch
• Colored sugar or sprinkles for festive occasions
• Fruit jams or preserves sandwiched between two cookies for a sweet layered treat
• Almond slivers or chopped nuts sprinkled on top before baking

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit platter to complement the buttery cookies
• Assorted cheeses for a savory contrast
• Tea, coffee, or hot chocolate to enhance the indulgence
• Ice cream or whipped cream for an elegant dessert presentation

Improvements

• Incorporate lemon or orange zest into the dough for added brightness.
• Use different types of sugars, such as brown sugar, to vary flavor and moisture content.
• Add a touch of almond or coconut extract for unique flavor profiles.
• Experiment with gluten-free flours or alternative starches for dietary customization.
• Embed dried fruits like cranberries or cherries for added texture and flavor.

Save and Store

Store baked shortbread cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, place them in a sealed container or zip-top bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, allow the cookies to come to room temperature for the best flavor and texture. Keep glazed cookies separate from plain ones to prevent the glaze from sticking or smudging.

FAQ

Can I make these cookies vegan?

Yes. Substitute the butter with a vegan butter or coconut oil, and use a plant-based vanilla extract. Keep in mind that the texture might slightly vary, but generally, the recipe remains successful.

Can I use different shapes or sizes?

Absolutely. Using various cookie cutters can tailor the cookies for specific occasions or themes. Adjust baking time if cookies are significantly larger or thicker to prevent overbaking or underbaking.

Is it necessary to chill the dough?

Chilling helps prevent spreading and makes the dough easier to handle, especially if it becomes soft. If your kitchen is warm, chilling for 15-20 minutes is recommended.

Can I skip the glazing?

Yes, the cookies are delicious even without glaze. If you prefer a less sweet version, you can omit the glaze and sugar coating, or dust them lightly with powdered sugar for a subtle finish.

How can I ensure uniform cookies?

Consistent thickness during rolling and even-sized cutters help produce cookies that bake uniformly. Using a rolling pin with thickness guides can be very helpful.

Conclusion

Crafting these Glazed and Sugared Shortbread cookies is a testament to the beauty of minimal ingredients yielding maximum delight. Their melt-in-your-mouth texture complemented by a crunchy sugar finish makes them a perennial favorite, suitable for both everyday snacking and special celebrations. The flexibility of the recipe allows for creative variations, making it a versatile addition to your baking repertoire. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned baker, the straightforward process ensures success and satisfaction with every batch. Remember, the joy of baking is amplified when shared—so gather your loved ones, enjoy the process, and indulge in these timeless Scottish treats. This recipe, featured on Love With Recipes, is designed to bring happiness and sweetness into your life, one cookie at a time.

References

• Scottish Shortbread Recipes – The Scottish Food Guide
• Understanding Baking Ingredients – King Arthur Baking Company