Indulge in the delectable world of shortbread cookies, a classic Scottish treat that has captivated taste buds for centuries. These melt-in-your-mouth delights, often associated with Christmas festivities, are characterized by their crumbly texture, buttery flavor, and simplicity. With variations ranging from traditional to contemporary, this article offers a comprehensive guide to crafting the perfect shortbread cookies. Discover the secrets behind the ideal shortbread dough, the art of shaping and baking, and the endless possibilities for adding unique twists. From classic plain shortbread to indulgent chocolate-dipped and nutty variations, these recipes cater to every palate. Embrace the joy of baking and embark on a culinary adventure that will leave you craving more.
Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!
SHORTBREAD COOKIES
Bake Ina Garten's chocolate-dipped Shortbread Cookies for the perfect bite with tea, from Barefoot Contessa on Food Network.
Provided by Ina Garten
Categories dessert
Time 1h15m
Yield 20 cookies
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, mix together the butter and 1 cup of sugar until they are just combined. Add the vanilla. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour and salt, then add them to the butter-and-sugar mixture. Mix on low speed until the dough starts to come together. Dump onto a surface dusted with flour and shape into a flat disk. Wrap in plastic and chill for 30 minutes.
- Roll the dough 1/2-inch thick and cut with a 3 by 1-inch finger-shaped cutter. Place the cookies on an ungreased baking sheet and sprinkle with sugar. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the edges begin to brown. Allow to cool to room temperature.
- When the cookies are cool, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Put 3 ounces of the chocolate in a glass bowl and microwave on high power for 30 seconds. (Don't trust your microwave timer; time it with your watch.) Stir with a wooden spoon. Continue to heat and stir in 30-second increments until the chocolate is just melted. Add the remaining chocolate and allow it to sit at room temperature, stirring often, until it's completely smooth. Stir vigorously until the chocolate is smooth and slightly cooled; stirring makes it glossier.
- Drizzle 1/2 of each cookie with just enough chocolate to coat it.
BUTTERY 3-INGREDIENT SHORTBREAD COOKIES
With only a few ingredients, these butter shortbread cookies are so simple to prepare. -Pattie Prescott, Manchester, New Hampshire
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Desserts
Time 40m
Yield 16 cookies.
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 325°. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in flour. Press dough into an ungreased 9-in. square baking pan. Prick with a fork., Bake until light brown, 30-35 minutes. Cut into squares while warm. Cool completely on a wire rack. If desired, dust with confectioners' sugar.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 183 calories, Fat 12g fat (7g saturated fat), Cholesterol 31mg cholesterol, Sodium 2mg sodium, Carbohydrate 18g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 2g protein.
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
PERFECT SHORTBREAD COOKIES
This is from Flo Bjielke-Peterson's Country Cooking book, they are so good, real melt in your mouth type cookies. I make them every year at Christmas.
Provided by Sara 76
Categories Dessert
Time 25m
Yield 18 cookies
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Soften butter.
- Place in a mixing bowl with the rest of the ingredients and knead well.
- Roll tablespoon fulls of dough into balls, and flatten slightly on a lined biscuit tray.
- Bake at 180C for 15 minutes, or until a light golden brown.
- Be careful not to let them burn, they should only change colour slightly!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 106.1, Fat 5.8, SaturatedFat 3.6, Cholesterol 14.8, Sodium 58.3, Carbohydrate 12.5, Fiber 0.5, Sugar 3.3, Protein 1.2
Tips:
- Use high-quality butter: The type of butter you use will greatly affect the taste of your shortbread cookies. Look for a butter that is at least 82% butterfat, and avoid using margarine or spread.
- Chill your ingredients: Before you start making your shortbread cookies, chill your flour, butter, and sugar. This will help to keep the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
- Work quickly: Once you start mixing the ingredients together, work quickly to avoid overworking the dough. Overworking the dough will make the cookies tough.
- Don't overbake: Shortbread cookies should be baked just until they are set. Overbaking will make them dry and crumbly.
- Let the cookies cool completely: Before you enjoy your shortbread cookies, let them cool completely on a wire rack. This will help them to firm up and develop their full flavor.
Conclusion:
Shortbread cookies are a delicious and versatile treat that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a batch of shortbread cookies that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you're serving them at a party, packing them in a lunchbox, or simply enjoying them as a snack, shortbread cookies are sure to be a hit.
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