Immerse yourself in the rich tradition and buttery goodness of our Heavenly Traditional Scottish Shortbread. Crafted with the utmost care and simple, quality ingredients, this recipe brings the authentic taste of Scotland right to your kitchen. With a delicate balance of caster sugar and unsalted butter, complemented by the tender crumb of all-purpose flour and cornstarch, each bite of this shortbread melts in your mouth, leaving a lingering taste of pure bliss. Whether you're a seasoned baker or new to the world of homemade treats, this Scottish Shortbread promises a rewarding and delicious baking experience, making 22 perfect pieces with a touch of love in every bite.
Why You'll Love This:
This Scottish Shortbread is not just a cookie; it's a celebration of simplicity and flavor. The addition of cornstarch gives these treats a melt-in-your-mouth texture that's incomparable to any store-bought variety. The process of creating these shortbread pieces, from the soft kneading of dough to the gentle pricking of patterns, is a meditative and joyous journey. It's a recipe that welcomes bakers of all levels to partake in the pleasure of baking, offering a foolproof path to a deliciously rewarding outcome.
Perfect Occasion:
Scottish Shortbread is the perfect companion for a cup of tea or coffee, making it ideal for afternoon tea, brunches, or as a comforting treat to enjoy any time of day. Its elegant simplicity and delightful taste make it suitable for festive occasions like Christmas, New Year's, or as a thoughtful homemade gift for friends and family. Serve it at gatherings, or pack it in a beautiful tin as a souvenir of love and warmth; this shortbread is bound to charm and impress.
Decoration Tips:
After baking, a light sprinkle of caster sugar adds a sweet finish and a slight crunch to the shortbread's surface. For a festive touch, use cookie cutters in shapes that correspond with the season or occasion. If you're feeling creative, experiment with different fork patterns to give each piece a unique design. To present your Scottish Shortbread, layer them between parchment paper in a decorative tin or on a rustic wooden board for a touch of elegance.
Ingredients:
- 10.6 oz unsalted butter, room temperature
- 5.3 oz caster sugar, plus extra for sprinkling
- 14.1 oz all-purpose flour
- 1.6 oz cornstarch
- A pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 320°F (160°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the caster sugar, unsalted butter, and a pinch of salt. Mix well to achieve a creamy, soft texture.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour and cornstarch to the bowl. Mix to form a shaggy dough, then knead by hand until smooth and fully combined.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to your desired thickness.
- Using a 7cm cookie cutter, cut out your shortbread pieces. Carefully transfer 6-8 pieces to a baking tray lined with parchment paper, using a cake slice to gently lift and move the delicate dough.
- Prick each piece with a fork to create your desired pattern.
- Bake for about 15 minutes at 320°F (160°C), or until the edges are slightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let stand for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with caster sugar, then knock off the excess before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Repeat with the remaining dough, baking in batches.
Enjoy this Heavenly Traditional Scottish Shortbread, a simple yet sublime treat that captures the essence of Scotland's baking heritage, promising delight with every tender, buttery bite.