Easy Scottish Shortbread Recipe
There’s something inherently comforting about the gentle crunch and buttery sweetness of homemade shortbread. This Easy Scottish Shortbread Recipe takes me back to chilly winter evenings spent huddled around the fireplace with a steaming cup of tea and a plate of these golden delights. Whether you’re looking for a cozy treat for a family gathering or simply a moment of indulgence during your afternoon break, this recipe captures the warmth and nostalgia of simpler times in each tender bite.
Each bite melts in your mouth, leaving just a hint of sweetness that beckons for another. Trust me, this is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: With just a handful of pantry staples, you can whip up these deliciously tender shortbread bars.
- Quick to Make: This recipe is perfect for a cozy weeknight treat — it takes just about 15 minutes to prep before it chills.
- Charming and Impressive: Serve this at your next gathering and delight your guests with a homemade touch.
- Easily Customizable: Enjoy the classic flavor, or switch it up with unique extracts and flavors to match your mood!
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can easily store these delicious treats for up to a week, or freeze them for up to six months.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Easy Scottish Shortbread Recipe
- 1 cup butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup cane sugar (all natural pure cane sugar is ideal; you can also use white or bakers sugar)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (consider trying almond or orange extract for a fun twist)
- 2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup non-GMO cornstarch
- ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt (omit if using salted butter)
- All-natural or sanding sugar for sprinkling (optional)
How to Make Easy Scottish Shortbread Recipe
- In a bowl, beat 1 cup of softened butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy and smooth.
- Gradually add in 1/2 cup of sugar, beating well for about 2-3 minutes until it’s fluffy and light.
- Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to infuse the mixture with a warm aroma.
- In a separate bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, 1/4 cup of cornstarch, and ⅛ teaspoon of kosher salt. Whisk well to mix.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture, beating at low speed after each addition until fully combined. It’s okay if the mixture seems a bit stiff and crumbly.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface, kneading gently 8-10 times to bring it together.
- Press the dough evenly into an un-greased 11×7 or 9×9 pan (if you’re doubling the recipe, use a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan lined with parchment paper).
- Prick the dough at 1-inch intervals with a fork and score the surface into 2 ½ x 1-inch bars.
- Cover and chill for at least 2 hours — this is a crucial step for ensuring the delicate, light, and crisp texture!
- If desired, sprinkle the top with all-natural or sanding sugar before baking.
- Preheat your oven to 325° F (162° C) and bake for 35 minutes, or until the shortbread is set and lightly golden at the edges. Remember, don’t over-bake!
- Allow the shortbread to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before using a knife to cut along the scored lines.
- Cool completely in the pan before removing. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 6 months.
Delicious Variations to Try
- Citrus Zest: Add a tablespoon of freshly grated lemon or orange zest to the dough for a bright and fruity flavor.
- Almond Joy: Mix in chopped almonds before pressing the dough into the pan, and drizzle with melted dark chocolate once cooled.
- Herbal Twist: Add a teaspoon of dried lavender or rosemary for an aromatic, sophisticated touch.
- Chocolate Chip Shortbread: Fold in a cup of mini chocolate chips — because who can resist a touch of indulgence?
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the dough ahead of time, chill it, and bake later — perfect for holiday baking!
- Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to swap the butter for coconut oil for a dairy-free version!
- Cutting Tricks: Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water to easily slice the shortbread without crumbling.
- Storage: Store your shortbread in an airtight container within a cool place to maintain that delightful crispness.
Nutrition Information per Serving
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 150
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Sugar: 5g
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 1g
- Sodium: 25mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! The dough can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to a week or frozen for up to six months.Can I use different ingredients?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with different extracts, sugars, and even add-ins like nuts or chocolate.How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature.How long does it last?
These delicious bars will last up to 1 week at room temperature or up to 6 months in the freezer.
Wrapping It Up
This Easy Scottish Shortbread Recipe is not only a delightful treat for your taste buds but also a warm embrace for your soul. You’ll love how quickly these come together and how versatile they are for any occasion. Whether you’re cozying up with a cup of tea or sharing them with friends, these bars will surely bring joy to your day.
So, save this Easy Scottish Shortbread Recipe to your Pinterest board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat! Happy baking!
Print
Easy Scottish Shortbread Recipe
- Total Time: 155 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful and comforting homemade shortbread recipe that captures the warmth of winter evenings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup cane sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup non-GMO cornstarch
- ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
- All-natural or sanding sugar for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions
- Beat 1 cup of softened butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy and smooth.
- Gradually add in 1/2 cup of sugar, beating well for about 2-3 minutes until fluffy.
- Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- Combine 2 cups of flour, 1/4 cup of cornstarch, and ⅛ teaspoon of kosher salt in a separate bowl.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture, beating at low speed until fully combined.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface, kneading gently 8-10 times.
- Press the dough into an un-greased 11×7 or 9×9 pan.
- Prick the dough at 1-inch intervals with a fork and score into bars.
- Cover and chill for at least 120 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 325° F (162° C) and bake for 35 minutes.
- Allow to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before slicing along the scored lines.
- Cool completely before removing.
Notes
Feel free to experiment with different extracts and add-ins like chocolate or nuts.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Scottish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 25mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
