Description
Delicate Scottish shortbread whispers memories of grandmother’s kitchen, melting hearts with its buttery simplicity. Crisp, golden edges and rich crumbly texture promise a moment of pure comfort that connects bakers to generations of culinary tradition.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour, sifted
- ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar, sifted
Flavor and Texture Enhancers:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for extra tenderness)
Optional Decorations:
- Melted chocolate (for dipping edges)
- Sprinkled sugar or sprinkles
Instructions
- Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 325F (160C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, whip the softened butter and powdered sugar together using an electric mixer until the mixture becomes airy and pale, creating a light, fluffy texture.
- Introduce the vanilla extract to the butter mixture, blending thoroughly to distribute the aromatic flavor evenly.
- Gently fold the sifted flour and salt into the creamy base, incorporating the cornstarch simultaneously. Mix on low speed until the ingredients form a cohesive, soft dough.
- Craft the cookies by either rolling the dough into delicate 1-inch spheres or rolling it out to a uniform 1/4-inch thickness. If using cookie cutters, carefully cut out desired shapes and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet with slight separation.
- Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, watching carefully to ensure the cookie edges develop a subtle golden hue without overcooking.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, allowing them to set slightly before transferring to a wire cooling rack.
- For an elegant finishing touch, embellish the cooled shortbread with a chocolate dip, delicate icing drizzle, or a light dusting of powdered sugar to enhance their visual appeal.
Notes
- Butter Quality Matters: Choose high-fat, European-style butter for an extra rich and tender shortbread that truly melts in your mouth.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter is softened but not melty to achieve the perfect creamy texture without compromising the cookie’s structure.
- Gentle Mixing Technique: Avoid overmixing the dough, which can develop gluten and make the shortbread tough instead of delightfully crumbly.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.
- Flavor Variations: Experiment with different extracts like almond or lemon, or add finely chopped nuts for a delightful twist on the classic recipe.
- Precise Baking: Watch cookies closely during the last few minutes of baking to prevent over-browning, which can make them dry and crumbly.
- Storage Tip: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, separating layers with parchment paper to maintain their delicate texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Scottish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 136
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 23 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 31 mg