Description
Scottish shortbread beckons with buttery, crumbly perfection, promising a delightful journey through traditional baking. Rich golden cookies melt on your palate, delivering comfort from Scotland’s cherished culinary heritage.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 250 grams (8.8 ounces) unsalted butter
- 250 grams (8.8 ounces) all-purpose flour
- 125 grams (4.4 ounces) caster sugar
- 125 grams (4.4 ounces) cornflour
Secondary Ingredients:
- 1 pinch salt
Optional Flavoring:
- 1 lemon zest (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
- Whip softened butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and airy, creating a smooth, creamy texture.
- Gently sift flour, cornflour, and salt directly into the butter mixture, avoiding overmixing to maintain a delicate consistency.
- Carefully fold ingredients together until a cohesive dough forms, ensuring minimal handling to prevent toughness.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up and enhance flavor development.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough to approximately 1cm thickness, creating an even layer.
- Cut the dough into traditional rectangular shapes or elegant geometric patterns using a sharp knife or cookie cutter.
- Transfer carefully onto a lined baking sheet, spacing pieces evenly to allow uniform heating.
- Preheat oven to 180C (350F) and bake shortbread for 12-15 minutes, watching for delicate golden edges as an indicator of doneness.
- Remove from oven and let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to stabilize their structure.
- Transfer to a wire cooling rack, allowing complete cooling and achieving a crisp, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Once fully cooled, store in an airtight container, perfect for accompanying afternoon tea or enjoying as a standalone treat.
Notes
- Choose high-quality unsalted butter for the richest, most delicate flavor and smooth texture.
- Chill the dough thoroughly to prevent spreading and maintain crisp, clean edges during baking.
- Use a sharp knife or cookie cutter for precise, uniform shapes that bake evenly.
- Dust with powdered sugar instead of granulated for a softer, more delicate finish and elegant appearance.
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Scottish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 307
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 5 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg