Seriously Good Shortbread Classic Buttery Perfection
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a proper shortbread cookie recipe ? I was thinking about my nan's baking last week. These homemade shortbread cookies taste just like hers. Honestly, it is the best ever.
Brief Overview
Scottish shortbread recipe is like a hug in biscuit form. It comes from Scotland and it's been around for centuries.
This one is easy shortbread recipe . It needs about an hour. It makes about 16 cookies.
Main Benefits
These 4 ingredient shortbread cookies are simple and delicious. The main benefit is pure joy. Perfect for a Christmas bake. What makes this traditional shortbread recipe special is all butter.
These biscuits are just brilliant, you know?
Ingredient Line-Up
Time for the good stuff, then
You need unsalted butter, softened but cool. Also, caster sugar. Plus, a pinch of sea salt. Finally, plain flour. That is it.
Butter Cookie Brilliance
Butter cookies recipe are great. Honestly. A proper Easy Shortbread Cookie Recipe Simple makes life better. I find it amazing what simple ingredients can produce when baked in a medium oven
Lemon Shortbread Joy
If you are after that extra special shortbread, you could always add some zest
This recipe for Lemon Shortbread Cookies Easy would be amazing, a little lemon zest brightens everything. Honestly, give it a go. It's a game changer.
Ingredients & Equipment for Seriously Good Shortbread
Right then, are you ready to get started on an easy shortbread recipe ? Let's talk about what you'll need.
Don't worry, it's all pretty straightforward. This traditional shortbread recipe is about simplicity!
Main Ingredients: Keep it Simple
Here's what you'll need for this 4 ingredient shortbread cookies recipe:
- 1 cup (2 sticks, 227g) unsalted butter, softened but still cool. The butter must be good quality! Think proper, rich butter.
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar. Plus, a bit extra for sprinkling.
- ¼ teaspoon (1.5ml) fine sea salt.
- 2 ¼ cups (281g) all-purpose flour. And a little extra for dusting.
For the butter, go for the best you can afford. Honestly, it makes a huge difference in the final flavour of these homemade shortbread cookies .
Seasoning Notes: Subtle But Important
Okay, so Scottish shortbread recipe isn't exactly packed with spices. We're focusing on the rich butter flavour.
The pinch of salt? That's key! It enhances the sweetness. Think of it as a little flavour enhancer.
Want to fancy things up? A touch of lemon zest (hello, lemon shortbread cookies easy !) can add a lovely zing.
Equipment Needed: Keep it Basic
No need for fancy gadgets here!
- Mixing bowl or stand mixer. Either works great.
- Measuring cups and spoons. Obvious, innit?
- Baking sheet.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat. For easy cleanup.
- Rolling pin. To roll out the dough.
- Cookie cutters (optional). For fun shapes! I love making Christmas shortbread recipe ones.
- Fork (for docking).
Don't have a rolling pin? A clean wine bottle will do in a pinch. And if you don't have cookie cutters, just cut squares or triangles.
No stress! It's all about the shortbread cookie recipes .
Enjoy making this butter cookies recipe and remember, baking should be fun!
Seriously Good Shortbread: Classic, Buttery Perfection
Right then, let's crack on with a proper shortbread cookie recipe outline, shall we? Time to channel my inner Mary Berry! Shortbread, the queen of the biscuit tin, is a Scottish classic for a reason.
It's simple, elegant, and utterly delicious.
This recipe yields crumbly, melt-in-your mouth homemade shortbread cookies with that quintessential buttery flavour. Perfect with a cuppa or a dram of whisky.
Whether you're new to baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is your passport to shortbread success! Plus, who can resist a good Christmas shortbread recipe ?
Prep Steps: The All-Important "Mise en Place"
First things first, gather your troops. We're talking 1 cup (2 sticks, 227g) softened (but still cool) unsalted butter, ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar, ¼ teaspoon (1.
5ml) fine sea salt, and 2 ¼ cups (281g) all-purpose flour. Having everything measured out is the essential mise en place which will saves you time and stress, trust me.
For sprinkling, keep some extra granulated sugar handy. And don’t forget to preheat your oven!
Safety Reminder: When using an electric mixer, keep your hair tied back. It's happened to me, and trust me, you don't want a flour dusted fringe.
step-by-step to Shortbread Bliss
Ready to roll? Here's the magic:
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. No over creaming, mind.
- Gradually add the flour until just combined. Don't overmix.
- Form into a disc, wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll to ¼-inch thickness and cut out shapes.
- Dock with a fork and chill again for 15 minutes, if you have time.
- Bake at 325° F ( 160° C) for 18- 22 minutes , until golden.
- Cool completely on a wire rack.
Pro Tips for Shortbread Perfection
- Secret Weapon: Use cold ingredients. This prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking and helps to get that signature crumbly texture.
- Avoid Overmixing : Overmixing the dough is a common mistake. It leads to tough shortbread, and nobody wants that.
- make-ahead Magic: You can make the dough a day or two in advance. Just keep it wrapped tightly in the fridge. This easy shortbread recipe will become your go-to.
Honestly, even a simple 4 ingredient shortbread cookies recipe can be amazing. This is a slightly fancier version, but worth it for the results! Now you can make the perfect traditional shortbread recipe ! I hope you love this easy shortbread cookie recipe simple as much as I do!
And don't forget to check out other shortbread cookie recipes for more inspiration.
You could try Lemon Shortbread Cookies Easy someday for a change! Enjoy!
Recipe Notes: Tips for Shortbread Success
Honestly, this easy shortbread recipe is pretty foolproof. But here are a few bits and bobs I've learned along the way.
They will help you to avoid common mistakes. These are all the tips to get that perfect, crumbly texture.
How to Serve Your Stunning Shortbread
Right, you've baked your homemade shortbread cookies . Now what? Plating is simple. A pretty plate is always a winner, isn't it? For a proper afternoon tea vibe, serve them with a pot of Earl Grey.
Or, for a bit of indulgence, try them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Fancy a Christmas vibe? These Christmas shortbread cookies go down a treat with a glass of mulled wine!
Storing Your Gorgeous Goodies
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Keep your shortbread cookie recipes in an airtight container. They'll happily sit at room temperature for up to a week.
Wanna keep them longer? You can freeze them! Wrap them well in cling film and then pop them in a freezer bag.
They'll last for up to three months. When you are ready to eat them, just let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
A simple thaw will keep your butter cookies recipe tasty.
Switching It Up: Shortbread Variations
Fancy a change? Why not try adding lemon zest for lemon shortbread cookies easy . Just a teaspoon or two will do the trick.
This will brighten up the flavor. gluten-free? No worries! You can easily adapt this traditional shortbread recipe using a gluten-free flour blend.
This will make your version into a Easy Shortbread Cookie Recipe Simple recipe! I've heard some people even sneak in chocolate chips!
Nutrition Lowdown (the Easy Bits)
Okay, let's be real. Shortbread isn't exactly a health food. But a little treat never hurt anyone, did it? Each cookie will give you a good energy boost, thanks to the butter and sugar.
Keep in mind this is just an estimate. Enjoy in moderation, and savour every single bite!
So there you have it. Everything you need to bake a batch of seriously good shortbread. Don't be scared to give it a go! Even if they're not perfect, they'll still taste delicious.
Happy baking!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my shortbread cookie recipe crumbly and falling apart?
A crumbly shortbread usually means there's not enough moisture to bind the ingredients. Make sure you're using softened (but not melted!) butter. Also, avoid overmixing the dough that develops the gluten and makes for a tough, rather than crumbly, biscuit.
Try adding a tablespoon of ice water to the dough next time if it seems too dry.
How do I prevent my shortbread cookies from spreading while baking?
Spreading is a common shortbread woe! The key is cold ingredients and chilling the dough. Ensure your butter is cool and softened, not melted. After shaping the cookies, chill them on the baking sheet for at least 15 minutes before baking, or even longer.
This firms up the butter and helps them hold their shape in the oven think of it as a spa day for your shortbread before they hit the heat!
Can I make this shortbread cookie recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! Shortbread dough is a champion prepper. You can make the dough, wrap it tightly in cling film, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Alternatively, you can freeze the dough for up to a month. Just be sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before rolling and baking.
Imagine having a Mary Berry worthy treat ready at a moment's notice!
What's the best way to store shortbread cookies to keep them fresh?
To keep your shortbread delightfully crisp, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They'll stay fresh for up to a week though they rarely last that long in my house! Avoid storing them in the refrigerator, as the moisture can make them soft.
If you want to be extra fancy, pop a silica gel packet in the container to absorb any excess moisture.
Can I add flavourings to this shortbread cookie recipe?
Of course! Shortbread is a blank canvas for flavour exploration. Lemon zest is a classic addition for a bright, citrusy twist. You could also try adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract, a pinch of ground cardamom, or even folding in some mini chocolate chips.
Get creative and experiment with your favourite flavours to put your own spin on this Scottish classic!
Is there anything I should know about the nutritional content of this shortbread cookie recipe?
Shortbread is a treat, so it is relatively high in fat and sugar. Enjoying it in moderation is key. If you're looking to reduce the sugar content, you could experiment with a sugar substitute, but be aware that this might affect the texture and browning.
Portion control is your friend think of it as a small indulgence that brings a lot of joy!
Seriously Good Shortbread Classic Buttery Perfec
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 150-180 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 10-12g |
| Fiber | <1g |