Best 6 Easy Scottish Shortbread Recipes

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In the realm of sweet treats, Scottish shortbread stands as a classic confection, captivating taste buds with its crumbly texture and buttery flavor. This iconic Scottish cookie boasts a rich history, tracing its roots back to the 12th century. Traditionally served at special occasions like Christmas and Hogmanay, shortbread has become a beloved delicacy enjoyed worldwide. Our collection of Scottish shortbread recipes offers a delightful array of variations, catering to diverse tastes and preferences. From the classic plain shortbread to indulgent chocolate-dipped and fruit-studded delights, these recipes promise an unforgettable shortbread experience. Embark on a culinary journey through Scotland's treasured baking heritage with our comprehensive guide to making perfect shortbread.

Let's cook with our recipes!

EASY SCOTTISH SHORTBREAD



Easy Scottish Shortbread image

These traditional butter cookies require only three ingredients. They're so yummy, you won't be able to stop at just one! -Peggy Goodrich, Enid, Oklahoma

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 30m

Yield about 3-1/2 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 3

3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons butter, softened
1/4 cup sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour

Steps:

  • In a small mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Gradually add flour and mix well. (Dough will be crumbly). Shape into a ball., On a lightly floured surface, press dough to 1/2-in. thickness. Cut out with a floured 1-in. diamond-shaped cookie cutter; place 1 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Prick each cookie with a fork. Reroll scraps if desired. Bake at 350° for 12-15 minutes or until firm. Cool for 2 minutes before carefully removing to wire racks to cool completely.,

Nutrition Facts : Calories 55 calories, Fat 3g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 9mg cholesterol, Sodium 26mg sodium, Carbohydrate 6g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 1g protein.

SCOTTISH SHORTBREAD



Scottish Shortbread image

Scottish settlers first came to this area over 150 years ago. My mother herself was Scottish, and-as with most of my favorite recipes-she passed this shortbread recipe on to me. I make a triple batch of it each year at Christmas, to enjoy and as gifts. -Rose Mabee, Selkirk, Manitoba

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 35m

Yield about 4 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 3

2 cups butter, softened
1 cup packed brown sugar
4 to 4-1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 325°. Cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Add 3-3/4 cups flour; mix well. Turn dough onto a floured surface; knead for 5 minutes, adding enough remaining flour to form a soft dough. , Roll to 1/2-in. thickness. Cut into 3x1-in. strips. Place 1 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Prick with fork. Bake until cookies are lightly browned, 20-25 minutes. Cool.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 123 calories, Fat 8g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 20mg cholesterol, Sodium 62mg sodium, Carbohydrate 12g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 1g protein.

EASY BASIC SHORTBREAD



Easy Basic Shortbread image

This buttery cookie gets better with age: It can be stored up to a month, and over that time its flavor deepens. Dip the tips of the cookies in melted chocolate for a decorative touch.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Dessert & Treats Recipes     Cookie Recipes

Yield Makes 36 bars

Number Of Ingredients 5

1 1/3 cups (2 sticks plus 6 tablespoons) unsalted butter, room temperature, plus more for pans
2/3 cup sugar
3/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
3 1/3 cups all-purpose flour

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 275 degrees. Butter a 9-by-13-by-1-inch baking pan, and line bottom with parchment paper. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add salt and vanilla, and beat to combine. Add flour, 1 cup at a time, beating on low speed until just combined.
  • Press dough into prepared pan, leveling and smoothing the top. Using a dough scraper or the back of a knife, cut dough lengthwise into nine strips, each slightly less than 1 inch wide. Cut the strips crosswise into thirty-six 3-inch bars. Using the tines of a fork or a wooden skewer, create a decorative pattern on the surface.
  • Bake shortbread until evenly pale golden, but not browned, 70 to 85 minutes. Transfer pan to a wire rack to cool. Invert pan, and remove parchment. Turn shortbread over, and carefully break, or cut with a serrated knife, into bars. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 month.

SCOTTISH SHORTBREAD COOKIES



Scottish Shortbread Cookies image

This simple three-ingredient shortbread cookie recipe makes wonderfully rich, tender cookies. Serve them with fresh berries of the season for a nice, light dessert. You'll get miles of smiles when friends see these at an afternoon tea or a bridal shower. -Marlene Hellickson, Big Bear City, California

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 40m

Yield 4 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 3

4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1 pound cold butter, cubed

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 325°. In a large bowl, combine flour and sugar. Cut in butter until mixture resembles fine crumbs. Knead dough until smooth, about 6-10 times. Pat dough into an ungreased 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Pierce with a fork. , Bake until lightly browned, 25-30 minutes. Cut into squares while warm. Cool on a wire rack.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 244 calories, Fat 16g fat (10g saturated fat), Cholesterol 41mg cholesterol, Sodium 157mg sodium, Carbohydrate 24g carbohydrate (8g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 2g protein.

SIMPLE SCOTTISH SHORTBREAD



Simple Scottish Shortbread image

Shortbread is a wonderful starting point for all kinds of sweet adventures: top it (nuts, chocolate, jam); flavor it (lemon, hazelnut, coconut); or do both (cappuccino with a mocha ganache drizzle, anyone?) Then again, if you're a "make mine vanilla, please" kind of guy or gal, leave it alone: it can stand on its own in perfect simplicity.-Taste of Home Cooking School

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 50m

Yield 2 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 cup butter, softened
1 cup confectioners' sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon almond extract, optional
2 cups King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
Melted caramels or chocolate, optional
Chopped nuts, optional

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, cream butter, sugar, vanilla and almond extract if desired. Add flour, beat until a stiff dough forms. Divide dough in half. Press into two greased 9-in. round baking pans. Use a fork to prick the dough over the entire surface randomly or in a pattern., Bake at 300° for 35 minutes or until light golden brown around the edges. Immediately turn out onto a cutting surface. While warm, cut into 12 wedges using a sharp knife or pizza cutter. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve plain or drizzle with melted caramel or chocolate and sprinkle with nuts if desired.,

Nutrition Facts :

SCOTTISH SHORTBREAD IV



Scottish Shortbread IV image

This is the most basic cookie recipe there is. Real butter and brown sugar give it an irresistible flavor.

Provided by Linda

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     UK and Ireland     Scottish

Yield 24

Number Of Ingredients 3

2 cups butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
4 ½ cups all-purpose flour

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
  • Cream butter and brown sugar. Add 3 to 3 3/4 cups flour. Mix well.
  • Sprinkle board with the remaining flour. Knead for 5 minutes, adding enough flour to make a soft dough. Roll to 1/2 inch thickness. Cut into 3x1 inch strips. Prick with fork and place on ungreased baking sheets.
  • Bake at 325 degrees F (165 degrees C) for 20 to 25 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 255.8 calories, Carbohydrate 26.9 g, Cholesterol 40.7 mg, Fat 15.6 g, Fiber 0.6 g, Protein 2.6 g, SaturatedFat 9.8 g, Sodium 112 mg, Sugar 9 g

Tips:

  • Use unsalted butter at room temperature to ensure even mixing and a smooth texture.
  • Chill the dough before baking to prevent spreading and ensure a crisp texture.
  • Use a fork to prick the top of the dough before baking to allow steam to escape and prevent blistering.
  • Bake the shortbread in a preheated oven to ensure even baking and a golden-brown color.
  • Allow the shortbread to cool completely before cutting and serving to ensure a clean slice.

Conclusion:

Scottish shortbread is a delicious and versatile treat that can be enjoyed on its own or with a variety of accompaniments. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels. Whether you are looking for a classic Scottish dessert or a new addition to your holiday baking repertoire, this shortbread recipe is sure to please.

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