Shrewsbury Cakes Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 7g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 13g, 6g
• Protein: 1g
• Fiber: 0g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. 3.
   Add the vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix well.
4. 4.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt.
5. 5.
   Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
6. 6.
   Roll the dough into small balls, approximately 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
7. 7.
   Use a fork to gently press down on each dough ball, creating a crisscross pattern on top.
8. 8.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden.
9. 9.
   Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Butter — Make sure the butter is softened at room temperature for easier creaming with the sugar.
• All-purpose flour — Measure the flour accurately by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off with a knife.

Tips & Tricks

• For a citrus twist, add the zest of one lemon or orange to the dough.
• If you prefer a sweeter taste, sprinkle the cookies with a little granulated sugar before baking.
• To achieve a more delicate texture, refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before shaping and baking.
• Experiment with different shapes and sizes to add variety to your Shrewsbury Cakes.
• Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.

Serving advice

Serve these delightful Shrewsbury Cakes alongside a cup of tea or coffee for a perfect afternoon treat. They can also be enjoyed on their own as a sweet snack.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Shrewsbury Cakes on a decorative platter or a traditional English tea set for an elegant presentation. Dust them with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sophistication.