In the realm of classic confections, shortbread stands tall with its simplicity and universal appeal. Originating from Scotland, this delectable treat has captivated taste buds for centuries, earning its place as a beloved teatime indulgence and a staple in cookie jars worldwide. Shortbread's charm lies in its straightforward ingredients: butter, sugar, flour, and a hint of salt. The resulting shortbread cookie is characterized by its crumbly texture, buttery flavor, and a subtle sweetness that complements a variety of accompaniments, from a steaming cup of tea to a dollop of fruit preserves. This article presents a collection of basic shortbread recipes, each offering a unique twist on the traditional delight. From the classic plain shortbread to variations infused with aromatic spices, zesty citrus, or the nutty goodness of nuts, these recipes cater to diverse preferences and occasions. Embark on a culinary journey with us as we explore the delightful world of shortbread, creating delectable treats that will leave a lasting impression on your palate and memories.
Here are our top 5 tried and tested recipes!
CLASSIC SHORTBREAD COOKIES IN 4 INGREDIENTS WITH ADDED 1 INGREDIENT VARIATIONS
Provided by Claire Robinson
Categories dessert
Time 1h4m
Yield approximately 65 cookies
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
- Add the flour, salt, and powdered sugar to a food processor and pulse to combine. Add in the vanilla, the butter and the 1 teaspoon of water. Pulse together just until a dough is formed. Put the dough on a sheet of plastic wrap and roll into a log, about 2 1/2 inches in diameter and 5 inches long. Tightly twist each end of the wrap in opposite directions. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Slice the log into 1/3-inch thick disks. Arrange on nonstick cookie sheets, parchment lined or silpat lined baking sheets, 2 inches apart. Bake until the edges are just light brown, about 12 to 14 minutes, rotating the pans half way through the baking process. Remove from the oven and let cool on the cookie sheets for 5 minutes. Transfer to wire racks and cool until room temperature. Enjoy!
- Variations:
- Pulse together the tea with the flour and salt in a food processor just until the tea is in small pieces evenly distributed throughout the flour. Then add the powdered sugar, vanilla, the butter and the 1 teaspoon of water. Continue as instructed above.
- Pulse the toasted and chopped pecans into the dough and then shape into a flattened round disk. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour. On a flour dusted surface, roll the dough out to approximately 1/3-inch thick. (If the dough is too hard to roll or begins to crack, let it rest at room temperature for a few minutes until pliable.) With a sharp knife, cut the dough into rectangle shapes about 1 by 3-inches. Arrange on the prepared baking sheets and follow the cooking instructions as above. Dust slightly cooled cookies with powdered sugar through a fine mesh strainer.
SHORTBREAD COOKIES II
Use only butter in these for best flavor.
Provided by Sally
Categories Desserts Cookies Butter Cookie Recipes Shortbread Cookie Recipes
Yield 12
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C).
- Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Stir in vanilla; add flour and mix well.
- Put through cookie press and form cookies onto baking sheets. Bake for 10 - 12 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 489.5 calories, Carbohydrate 48.6 g, Cholesterol 81.3 mg, Fat 31.1 g, Fiber 1.1 g, Protein 4.6 g, SaturatedFat 19.5 g, Sodium 218.8 mg, Sugar 16.9 g
BASIC SHORTBREAD WITH VARIATIONS
A lovely way to enjoy these great cookies is with French Vanilla coffee. The yield of this recipe will depend on the thickness you roll it to and size that to cut them into so don't take the info for yield and baking time as gospel. Just follow the given instructions and they will be fine. Note* after 2 reviews agree, I have removed the unsalted butter. Please use regular salted butter.
Provided by Annacia
Categories Dessert
Time 35m
Yield 16 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper. In a bowl, combine flour and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream butter with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
- Add sugar and continue beating until smooth. Stir in vanilla.
- Add flour and salt to mixture and stir until smooth.
- Divide dough into two flat disks roughly an inch thick and wrap in plastic.
- Chill for an hour.
- Preheat oven to 300°F.
- On a slightly floured surface, roll out dough to desired thickness.
- Shape with lightly floured cookie cutters. Place on cookie sheets and refrigerate 20 more minutes.
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until cookies are firm without browning.
- Cool on a rack.
- Now for the Variations on the Theme:.
- White-Chocolate Dipped:.
- Roll out dough roughly 1/3 of an inch thick. Cut into rounds and place cookies onto prepared baking sheets. Refrigerate and bake as per above instructions. After cooling, melt 6 ounces of white chocolate in a double boiler. Dip cookies into white chocolate and return to rack. Let chocolate set before handling.
- Cranberry Clementine:.
- Prepare one batch of basic shortbead dough, omitting vanilla extract. Work 1/2 cup finely chopped dried cranberries and 2 tbs grated clementine zest into dough. Roll out dough 1/2 inch thick. Cut into desired shapes. Refrigerate and bake as per above instructions.
- Pecan Macadamia Bites:.
- Add 1/4 cup finely chopped pecans and 1/4 cup finely chopped macadamia nuts to dough. Scoop out tablespoons of dough and roll into balls. Flatten each ball between your palms into bite-sized disks about an inch across. Place on prepared cookie sheets, refrigerate and bake as per instructions above. After cooking, dust cookies with icing sugar through a fine wire strainer.
- Sugar Stars:.
- Roll out dough roughly 1/3 of an inch thick. Cut into stars and place cookies onto prepared baking sheets. Using a pastry brush, lightly brush tops of cookies with egg white and sprinkle each cookie with coarse white sugar. Refrigerate and bake as per above instructions.
- Enjoy!
BASIC SHORTBREAD
This wonderful recipe for basic shortbread can be used to make Black-and-White Triangles, and Candied Ginger Shortbread Wedges.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Dessert & Treats Recipes Cookie Recipes
Yield Makes 8 to 10 wedges
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Butter an 8 1/2-inch round cake or springform pan. Sift together flour and salt in a small bowl. In a large bowl, with an electric mixer on medium, cream butter until fluffy, 3 to 5 minutes. Add sugar, and continue to beat until very light in color and fluffy, scraping down sides of bowl as necessary, about 2 minutes more. Add flour mixture, and beat on low, scraping bowl if necessary, until flour is just incorporated and dough sticks together when squeezed.
- Pat dough into prepared pan. Use a paring knife to score dough into wedges; prick all over in even intervals with a wooden skewer or fork.
- Bake until firm in the center and just starting to color, about 50 minutes. Transfer pan to a wire rack, and let cool completely. Cut into wedges. Cookies will keep, in an airtight container, at room temperature 3 weeks.
SHORTBREAD
This is a compilation of several Shortbread recipes I have from British cookbooks. I have been to England three times and REAL shortbread is a favorite. It should use real butter and not be TOO sweet.
Provided by Norita Solt
Categories World Cuisine Recipes European UK and Ireland English
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
- Line a baking sheet with greaseproof (parchment) paper. Sift the flour and rice flour into a medium mixing bowl. Add the sugar and mix.
- Cut butter into pieces and rub into the flour with your fingertips until the mixture begins to bind together. Knead into soft dough.
- Roll the dough into an 8 inch round (or for exact round, mold it in an 8 inch cake pan). Place on baking sheet. Using a fork, prick top and make tine marks along edge. Using a table knife, score top with wedge marks. (This is where it will break when cooled)
- Bake 45 minutes or until pale golden in color. Sprinkle a little superfine sugar over top and cool on baking sheet. Cut into wedges. Keeps for weeks in airtight tin.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 275.8 calories, Carbohydrate 31.3 g, Cholesterol 40.7 mg, Fat 15.7 g, Fiber 0.8 g, Protein 2.8 g, SaturatedFat 9.8 g, Sodium 2.5 mg, Sugar 8.4 g
Tips:
- Use cold butter: This will help the shortbread keep its shape and prevent it from spreading too much in the oven.
- Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy: This will help to incorporate air into the mixture, making the shortbread light and crumbly.
- Add the flour gradually: This will help to prevent the dough from becoming tough.
- Chill the dough before baking: This will help to firm up the dough and make it easier to handle.
- Bake the shortbread in a preheated oven: This will help to ensure that the shortbread is evenly baked.
- Let the shortbread cool completely before cutting it: This will help to prevent the shortbread from crumbling.
Conclusion:
Shortbread is a classic Scottish cookie that is perfect for any occasion. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, it's a great recipe for beginner bakers. Plus, there are endless ways to customize it with different flavorings and toppings. So next time you're looking for a sweet treat, give shortbread a try!
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