Scottish Shortbread Petticoat Tails

Ingredients

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 220 kcal / 920 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 14g, 9g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 22g, 7g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. 2.
   In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.
3. 3.
   Add the softened butter and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients.
4. 4.
   Use your hands or a pastry cutter to mix the ingredients until they come together to form a dough.
5. 5.
   Transfer the dough onto the prepared baking sheet and shape it into a round disc, about 1/2 inch (1.3cm) thick.
6. 6.
   Use a sharp knife to score the dough into triangular shapes, resembling petticoat tails.
7. 7.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
8. 8.
   Remove from the oven and let it cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes.
9. 9.
   Carefully transfer the shortbread to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Butter — Make sure the butter is softened at room temperature before mixing it with the dry ingredients. This will ensure a smooth and even texture in the shortbread.

Tips & Tricks

• For a more traditional touch, you can use a Scottish thistle-shaped cookie cutter to shape the shortbread.
• Dust the shortbread with powdered sugar before serving for an elegant presentation.
• Store the cooled shortbread in an airtight container to maintain its freshness for several days.

Serving advice

Serve the Scottish Shortbread Petticoat Tails alongside a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat. They can also be enjoyed as a sweet ending to a meal or as a gift for friends and family.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Petticoat Tails on a decorative platter, dusted with powdered sugar. You can also garnish with a sprig of fresh mint or a drizzle of melted chocolate for an extra touch of elegance.