Scottish Shortbread

Authentic Scottish Shortbread Recipe | Made with Cornmeal and All-Purpose Flour

Region / culture: Scotland | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20-30 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Scottish Shortbread is a classic buttery and crumbly cookie that originated in Scotland. It is a simple yet delicious treat that is perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee.

History

Shortbread has been a traditional Scottish treat for centuries, with recipes dating back to the 12th century. Originally known as "biscuit bread," shortbread was a luxury reserved for special occasions such as weddings, Christmas, and New Year's celebrations. The recipe evolved over time to include butter, sugar, and flour, creating the rich and buttery cookie we know today.

Ingredients

1 cup of softened butter
0.5 cup of granulated sugar
0.25 cup of firmly packed brown sugar
0.5 tsp of salt
0.25 tsp of vanilla
2 tbsp of white cornmeal
1.75 cup of all-purpose flour

How to prepare

Place the rack in the center of the oven.
Preheat the oven to 330°F (166°C).
Cream the butter with the sugars until light and fluffy.
Add the salt, vanilla, and cornmeal and beat until well combined.
Add the flour, 0.25 cup at a time, beating until just combined.
Divide the dough into 4 balls and on each of 2 baking sheets, press 2 of the balls into 5-inch rounds.
Using fork tines, score each round into 6 wedges and prick the edges decoratively.
Bake for 20 – 30 minutes, or until the shortbread is just firm.
Cut halfway through each round along the prick marks and transfer to racks to cool.

Variations

Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm and spicy flavor.
Mix in chopped nuts or dried fruit for added texture and flavor.
Dip the cooled shortbread in melted chocolate for a sweet and indulgent treat.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure your butter is softened but not melted for the best texture.

- Creaming the butter and sugar until light and fluffy is key to a tender shortbread.

- Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in a tough cookie.

- For a decorative touch, use a fork to create a pattern on the edges of the shortbread before baking.

Serving Suggestions

Scottish Shortbread is delicious on its own, but can also be served with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a decadent dessert.

Cooking Techniques

Creaming the butter and sugar until light and fluffy is a key technique for making tender shortbread. Be sure to not overmix the dough to avoid a tough cookie.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have white cornmeal, you can substitute with an equal amount of cornstarch or omit it altogether.

Make Ahead Tips

Scottish Shortbread can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to a week. It can also be frozen for longer storage.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Scottish Shortbread on a decorative platter or in a cookie tin for a beautiful presentation. Dust with powdered sugar for a festive touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Scottish Shortbread pairs well with a cup of hot tea or coffee. It also goes well with a glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Scottish Shortbread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To reheat, place in a 300°F (150°C) oven for a few minutes until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Scottish Shortbread contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Scottish Shortbread contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Scottish Shortbread contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Scottish Shortbread contains approximately 1 gram of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Scottish Shortbread is not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

Scottish Shortbread contains dairy and gluten.

Summary

Scottish Shortbread is a rich and indulgent treat that is best enjoyed in moderation due to its high fat and calorie content.

Summary

Scottish Shortbread is a classic and delicious treat that is perfect for enjoying on special occasions or as a sweet indulgence. With its rich buttery flavor and crumbly texture, it is sure to be a hit with friends and family.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a magnet. It was a cool autumn day, and I had just finished visiting my dear friend Margaret in her cozy little cottage in the Scottish Highlands. As I was about to leave, Margaret handed me a small, weathered piece of paper with a handwritten recipe on it.

"Here, my dear, take this recipe for Scottish Shortbread. It's been in my family for generations, and it's sure to warm your heart on chilly days like this," she said with a warm smile.

I thanked Margaret and tucked the recipe into my pocket, feeling a sense of excitement and curiosity stirring within me. I had always loved baking, and the idea of trying my hand at a traditional Scottish recipe filled me with anticipation.

When I returned home to my own little cottage, I wasted no time in gathering the ingredients and setting to work. The recipe was simple, calling for just butter, sugar, and flour. But as I mixed the ingredients together and pressed the dough into a buttered baking tin, I could feel the history and tradition behind the recipe infusing every step of the process.

As I waited for the shortbread to bake, the scent of butter and sugar wafted through my kitchen, filling the air with a warm, comforting aroma. When the shortbread emerged from the oven, golden and fragrant, I knew I had created something truly special.

I let the shortbread cool before cutting it into squares and taking a bite. The first taste was pure bliss – the buttery, crumbly texture melting in my mouth, the sweetness of the sugar balanced perfectly by the rich, nutty flavor of the flour.

From that moment on, Scottish Shortbread became a staple in my baking repertoire. I made it for family gatherings, for friends who needed a pick-me-up, and for myself on quiet evenings when I needed a taste of comfort and nostalgia.

Over the years, I learned to make the recipe my own, adding a pinch of salt for extra depth of flavor, or a handful of chopped nuts for a bit of crunch. But no matter how I tweaked the recipe, the essence of Margaret's original creation always shone through.

As I shared my Scottish Shortbread with others, I found that it had a magical quality – it brought people together, sparked conversations, and created memories that would last a lifetime. Whether enjoyed with a cup of tea on a rainy day, or shared with loved ones around a crackling fire, Scottish Shortbread brought warmth and joy wherever it went.

And so, as I sit here now, surrounded by the memories of a lifetime spent in the kitchen, I realize that recipes are more than just instructions for making food. They are a connection to the past, a link to the people and places that have shaped us, and a way to share love and comfort with those we hold dear.

So, if you ever find yourself in need of a bit of warmth and nostalgia, I urge you to give this recipe for Scottish Shortbread a try. Let its simple, humble ingredients work their magic on you, and may it bring you as much joy and comfort as it has brought me over the years. Happy baking!