Description
Scottish shortbread cookies elevate simple ingredients into a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth delicacy. Bakers can create these traditional treats with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter, softened (preferably European-style)
- ½ cup (100 grams) sugar
- 2 cups (240 grams) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Creaming: Whip butter, sugar, vanilla, and salt in a mixer until the mixture achieves a pale, silky consistency with a light, airy structure.
- Dough Formation: Blend flour into the butter mixture on low speed, using a spatula to incorporate ingredients thoroughly and create a cohesive, sturdy dough.
- Chilling Preparation: Shape dough into a flat disk or cylindrical log using plastic wrap, then refrigerate to solidify texture and intensify flavor profiles.
- Oven Preparation: Position oven racks in lower and upper thirds, preheat to 350°F, and line baking sheets with parchment paper for optimal baking conditions.
- Shaping Technique: For cut-out cookies, roll dough on flour-dusted surface to 1/4 to 1/2 inch thickness, using gentle pressure to maintain structural integrity. For slice-and-bake method, cut uniform slices with a sharp knife, maintaining consistent thickness.
- Cookie Placement: Arrange cookie pieces on prepared sheets, spacing them one inch apart to allow proper spreading and even browning during baking.
- Baking Process: Bake until edges and bottoms turn golden, rotating pans midway to ensure uniform coloration and consistent texture throughout.
- Cooling Method: Remove cookies when surfaces appear matte and dry, cool on baking sheets for ten minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
- Serving Suggestion: Present shortbread cookies at room temperature as a delightful accompaniment to afternoon tea or as a standalone treat.
Notes
- Butter Temperature Matters: Ensure butter is softened but not melted, as the right consistency is crucial for creating a smooth, velvety cookie texture.
- Chill Dough Strategically: Refrigerating the dough allows flavors to meld and prevents cookies from spreading too much during baking, resulting in a more structured shortbread.
- Rolling Technique Impacts Texture: Use gentle, even pressure when rolling dough to maintain its delicate structure and prevent tough, dense cookies.
- Baking Precision Counts: Watch cookies closely during baking; they should develop a light golden color without overcooking, which can lead to dry, crumbly results.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Scottish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 22
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 20 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg