Best 3 British Shortbread Recipes

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Indulge in the delightful world of British shortbread, a classic Scottish treat that has captured hearts and taste buds for centuries. This beloved biscuit boasts a rich buttery flavor, a crumbly yet tender texture, and a delightful simplicity that makes it a timeless favorite.

Our curated collection of British shortbread recipes offers a delightful journey through variations of this iconic treat. From the traditional shortbread, made with just a handful of simple ingredients, to unique flavor twists like lemon shortbread and chocolate orange shortbread, these recipes promise to satisfy every craving. We'll also explore the secrets behind the perfect shortbread, including tips on achieving the ideal texture and flavor.

Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, our easy-to-follow instructions and helpful tips will guide you through the process of creating these delectable treats. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to embark on a delightful culinary adventure with our collection of British shortbread recipes.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

SHORTBREAD



Shortbread image

Try making these easy, buttery shortbread biscuits for an afternoon activity with the kids. This recipe also works with chocolate chips or orange zest added the shortbread dough.

Provided by BBC Food

Categories     Cakes and baking

Yield Makes 20-24 shortbread

Number Of Ingredients 3

125g/4oz unsalted butter, softened
55g/2oz caster sugar, plus extra to finish
180g/6oz plain flour

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 190C/170C Fan/Gas 5.
  • Beat the butter and the sugar together until smooth.
  • Stir in the flour to get a smooth paste. Turn on to a work surface and gently roll out until the paste is 1cm/½in thick.
  • Cut into shortbread rounds or fingers and place onto a baking tray. Sprinkle with caster sugar and chill in the fridge for 20 minutes.
  • Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until pale golden-brown. Set aside to cool on a wire rack.

TRADITIONAL ENGLISH SHORTBREADS



Traditional English Shortbreads image

From the heart of Scotland, these sugary treats have become the centre of the British culture. These Biscuits are perfect to bake with children and are a simple treat to start you baking.

Provided by British Bakery

Time 25m

Yield Makes 6-10 Shortbread's

Number Of Ingredients 0

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 160°C/gas 3.
  • Lightly grease baking tray or place a piece of baking paper over the tin (to stop the unlikely event of the Shortbread sticking).
  • Place sifted flour and sugar into bowl and mix together.
  • Dice the margarine and gradually rub into flour until breadcrumbs.
  • Add vanilla essence and carry on rubbing in with fingertips.
  • When the mixture sticks together, place on floured workspace and gently knead until a soft ball.
  • Roll out until 1.5 cm in thickness, then cut into Shortbread fingers or petticoat tails. (Using a biscuit cutter is a good way to get a more defined shape)
  • Prick all over with a fork or a cocktail stick and (for petticoat tails) mark the edges as well.
  • Place in the oven for 15-20 mins and then leave to cool. (Make sure you take the Shortbread out when it is starting to darken round the edges of the biscuit)
  • Sprinkle caster sugar over the biscuits (after fully cooled).

ENGLISH SHORTBREAD



English Shortbread image

I've been making this shortbread for years. It's easy and quick to make, with only three ingredients. when I serve it at gatherings, someone always requests the recipe!

Provided by truebrit

Categories     Bar Cookie

Time 30m

Yield 12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 5

1 cup butter, plus (no substitutes)
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup sugar
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon sugar, for sprinkling (optional)

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375°F.
  • Mix the butter and sugar together until light and creamy.
  • Gradually work in the flour (Mixture will be crumbly).
  • Press mixture into a greased 9" x 13" pan.
  • Prick all over with a fork (Dip fork in some flour before pricking shortbread).
  • Sprinkle with a teaspoon of sugar (Optional).
  • Put into oven for about 20 minutes, or until pale golden.
  • When cool, cut into bars.

Tips:

  • Use unsalted butter. Salted butter can make your shortbread too salty. If you only have salted butter, omit the additional salt in the recipe.
  • Make sure your butter is cold. Cold butter will help to create a flaky shortbread. If your butter is too soft, it will make the shortbread more crumbly.
  • Don't overmix the dough. Overmixing the dough will make the shortbread tough. Mix the dough just until the ingredients are combined.
  • Chill the dough before baking. Chilling the dough will help to prevent the shortbread from spreading too much in the oven.
  • Bake the shortbread until it is just golden brown. Overbaking the shortbread will make it dry and crumbly.
  • Let the shortbread cool completely before cutting it. This will help to prevent the shortbread from crumbling.

Conclusion:

British shortbread is a classic cookie that is perfect for any occasion. It is easy to make and can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With its buttery, crumbly texture and sweet flavor, shortbread is a delicious treat that is sure to please everyone.

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