Buttery Bliss: Joy Of Cooking Scotch Shortbread Recipe

Scotch shortbread dances with centuries-old culinary whispers from the misty Scottish highlands.

This treasured delicacy transforms humble ingredients into pure magic with remarkable simplicity.

Bakers around the world adore its elegant, butter-rich profile that melts effortlessly on your tongue.

Crisp and delicate, these cookies carry generations of baking wisdom in every golden crumb.

Traditional Scottish recipes often celebrate minimalism, proving that exceptional flavor requires few exceptional ingredients.

Generations have cherished this understated treat, passing down techniques that elevate basic flour and butter into something extraordinary.

Check out this timeless recipe and experience a sweet slice of Scottish heritage that beckons you to the kitchen.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 155 kcal

Servings: 8

Everything That Goes Into Scotch Shortbread

• All-Purpose Flour: Choose unbleached flour for a richer, more natural flavor and better texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Look for fine, white sugar that dissolves easily and provides consistent sweetness.
• Rice Flour (or Cornstarch): Select finely ground rice flour for an extra-delicate, crumbly shortbread texture.

• Butter: Opt for high-quality, unsalted butter with a rich, creamy taste and cold temperature for the perfect shortbread consistency.

• Tart Pan: Select an 8-inch pan with a removable bottom for easy shortbread release and elegant presentation.
• Grater, Fork, Sharp Knife: Ensure these tools are clean and sharp for precise preparation and scoring.

Baking Tools for Scotch Shortbread

• Oven: Essential for baking the shortbread at a consistent temperature.
• Tart pan (8-inch, removable bottom): Allows easy removal and perfect shaping of shortbread.
• Large mixing bowl: For combining dry ingredients and creating dough.
• Whisk: Helps blend dry ingredients thoroughly.
• Grater: Perfect for shredding cold butter into the flour mixture.
• Fingertips: Ideal for creating crumbly texture when mixing butter and flour.
• Fork: Used for poking holes in the shortbread surface.
• Sharp knife: Helps score the shortbread into wedges.
• Wire cooling rack: Ensures proper cooling and prevents soggy bottom.

How to Prepare Buttery Scotch Shortbread

• Warm Up the Oven

Center the oven rack and heat to 300°F, creating the perfect environment for golden shortbread magic.

• Create Flour Base

Blend flour, sugar, and rice flour in a spacious mixing bowl, whisking until the dry ingredients dance together smoothly.

• Transform Butter Into Delicate Crumbs

Grate ice-cold butter directly over the flour mixture, using nimble fingertips to massage the ingredients into a texture resembling sandy breadcrumbs. Work swiftly to keep the butter from warming.

• Shape Delectable Shortbread

Transfer the crumbly mixture into a tart pan, pressing gently and evenly to create a smooth surface. Poke tiny holes across the top with a fork and slice gentle guidelines for future wedges using a sharp knife.

• Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, watching for a soft golden hue that signals deliciousness is moments away.

• Finish and Serve

Allow the shortbread to rest briefly on a cooling rack, then carefully remove from the pan. Once completely cooled, slice into elegant wedges and savor the buttery, melt-in-your-mouth experience that awaits.

Tips for Texture and Flavor in Shortbread

Experiment with different flavor profiles by adding zesty lemon or orange zest to the dry ingredients for a citrusy twist.

Choose high-quality European-style butter with higher fat content to create an extra-rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture that elevates the entire shortbread experience.

Drizzle melted dark chocolate over cooled shortbread wedges or dip half of each piece into tempered chocolate for a decadent transformation.

Fold finely ground toasted almonds or pistachios into the flour mixture to introduce a delightful crunch and subtle nutty undertone that complements the buttery base.

Serving Shortbread at Holidays or Tea

• Serve Alongside Afternoon Tea: Pair these delicate shortbread wedges with a steaming cup of Earl Grey or chamomile tea for a classic British-inspired treat that elevates your afternoon break.
• Dress Up with Sweet Toppings: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the wedges or dust with powdered sugar to add an extra layer of indulgence and visual appeal to your shortbread.
• Create a Dessert Platter: Arrange the shortbread wedges on a beautiful wooden board with fresh berries, a small bowl of whipped cream, and a few mint leaves for an elegant and inviting dessert presentation that will impress guests.
• Gift with Elegance: Wrap individual wedges in parchment paper and tie with a rustic twine for a homemade gift that shows thoughtfulness and baking skill.

How to Keep Shortbread Fresh for Days

• Preserve Freshness: Store shortbread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days, keeping its crisp texture and buttery flavor intact.
• Freeze for Later: Wrap individual wedges in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen shortbread stays delicious for 2-3 months, perfect for unexpected sweet cravings.
• Prevent Sogginess: Keep shortbread away from humid areas and moisture. Place a small piece of parchment paper between layers to maintain its signature crumbly texture.
• Serving Smart: Serve shortbread at room temperature for the most delightful taste experience. Dust with powdered sugar just before serving for an elegant touch that elevates the classic treat.

Crisp Scotch Shortbread Recipe

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4.9 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Scottish shortbread delights taste buds with its rich buttery flavor, perfected in the highlands. Crumbly, melt-in-mouth cookies showcase simple ingredients that connect you to generations of baking tradition.

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Ingredients

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• ½ cup (113 g / 4 oz) cold salted butter (preferably frozen)
• ¾ cup (95 g) all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup (30 g) rice flour
• ¼ cup (50 g) granulated white sugar (or castor sugar)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Position the oven rack in the center and warm to 300°F (150°C), selecting an 8-inch tart pan with a removable bottom.
2. Mixing: Combine all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and rice flour (or cornstarch) in a large mixing bowl, creating a uniform dry mixture.
3. Butter Integration: Grate extremely cold butter directly over the flour blend, delicately working it into the mixture using fingertips until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs without forming a cohesive dough.
4. Pan Preparation: Transfer the crumbly mixture into the tart pan, gently pressing and smoothing to create an even layer, then puncture small holes across the surface using a fork.
5. Scoring and Shaping: Use a sharp knife to score the shortbread into sixteen precise wedges before baking.
6. Baking: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 50 minutes, rotating occasionally to ensure uniform golden coloration.
7. Cooling and Serving: Remove from the oven and rest for 5 minutes on a wire rack, then gently release from the tart pan, cut along the scored lines, and allow the sixteen wedges to cool completely before serving.

Notes

• Chill Butter Effectively: Use extremely cold butter and grate it quickly to maintain optimal texture and prevent unwanted softening during preparation.
• Handle Dough Gently: Avoid overworking the mixture; delicate fingertip blending prevents tough shortbread and preserves the signature crumbly consistency.
• Score Before Baking: Create precise wedge cuts before baking to ensure clean, easy separation and professional-looking presentation after cooling.
• Monitor Browning Carefully: Watch shortbread during baking to achieve uniform golden color without burning, rotating pan occasionally for even heat distribution.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 155
• Sugar: 13 g
• Sodium: 105 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg