Scottish Shortbread

This shortbread recipe is unique from all the others I have ever made. I learned it when I was apprenticing in a pastry shop years ago as a culinary student, and it has stuck with me since.

Unlike creaming softened butter with powdered sugar then adding the flour in last, this technique involves cutting in a small amount of the butter until it’s disappeared into the flour and sugar. Then the remaining butter is added in melted form and combined until the dough looks very crumbly. It is then packed tightly into a prepared pan before baking.

The result is a denser, richer shortbread that melts in your mouth without sacrificing a satisfying crunch. It is more substantial, in my opinion, and much easier to make than the whipped recipes. If you’re a shortbread loving baker I encourage you to try it at least once…it might be your next masterpiece!

Scottish Shortbread

A very old recipe for traditional Scottish shortbread.

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 44 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine Scottish

Servings 16 pieces

Ingredients

  

• 16 ounces all purpose flour sifted
• 2 ounces salted butter
• 4 ounces sugar
• 8 ounces salted butter melted and cooled slightly

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 350F/117C. Generously grease an 8 inch round pan or line with parchment paper.
• Add flour to a large bowl along with the 2 ounces of butter. Cut the butter in with a pastry blender or your fingers until it is entirely dispersed into the flour. There should be no lumps of butter. Add sugar and combine well.
• Add the 8 ounces of melted and cooled butter and stir in until the mixture is evenly crumbly. Use your hands if necessary to incorporate the melted butter.
• Pack into the prepared pan, pressing firmly all over until the surface is even and smooth. Dock all over with a fork and bake for 40-45 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Cut into wedges while hot and allow to cool completely in the pan before serving.

Notes

If you are using unsalted butter, add 1/2 teaspoon salt with the sugar.

Keyword cookies, shortbread