Recipe

Classic Scottish Shortbread

Buttery Bliss: Traditional Scottish Shortbread Recipe

4.6 out of 5

Indulge in the rich heritage of Scottish cuisine with this classic Scottish Shortbread recipe. This beloved treat is a staple in Scottish households and is known for its buttery, crumbly texture and irresistible flavor.

Dessert› Cookie› Scottish Shortbread

European cuisine› Northern European cuisine› Cuisines of the [[Islands of the North Atlantic]] (IONA)› British cuisine› Scottish cuisine

Preparation time

15 minutes

Cooking time

20-25 minutes

Total time

35-40 minutes

Yields

12 servings

Preparation difficulty

Easy

Suitable for

Vegetarian, Nut-free, Soy-free, Egg-free, Halal

Allergens

Wheat (gluten), Dairy (butter)

Not suitable for

Vegan, Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Paleo, Keto

Ingredients

2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
Pinch of salt Pinch of salt

Nutrition

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

Preparation

1.
Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
2.
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3.
Gradually add the flour and salt to the butter mixture, mixing until well combined.
4.
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it until it comes together.
5.
Roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/2 inch (1.3 cm).
6.
Cut the dough into desired shapes, such as rounds or rectangles.
7.
Place the shortbread pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8.
Prick the surface of the shortbread with a fork to create decorative patterns.
9.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
10.
Remove from the oven and let the shortbread cool on a wire rack before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

Butter — Make sure the butter is softened at room temperature for easier creaming with the sugar.

Tips & Tricks

For a twist, you can add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of ground cinnamon to the dough for extra flavor.
To achieve a crumbly texture, avoid overmixing the dough.
Store the shortbread in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.

Serving advice

Serve the Scottish Shortbread alongside a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat. It can also be enjoyed as a dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Presentation advice

Arrange the shortbread pieces on a decorative platter or in a traditional Scottish shortbread tin for an elegant presentation. Dust the top with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.