With its buttery taste and crumbly texture, Scottish shortbread is a holiday favorite for cookie lovers everywhere. Simple yet delicious, shortbread has a rich history and is one of Scotland’s most cherished culinary traditions. Whether enjoyed with tea or gifted to friends and family, this classic cookie brings warmth and a touch of Scottish heritage to any Christmas celebration. This post explores the history of shortbread, along with an easy recipe to help you create this delicious treat at home.
Shortbread became a symbol of hospitality and festivity, often baked for special occasions like weddings, Hogmanay (Scottish New Year), and Christmas. Traditionally, it’s made with just three ingredients: flour, butter, and sugar. Its crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth texture comes from a high butter content, which also gives the cookie its “short” texture (the term “short” refers to the crumbly, tender texture). Today, shortbread remains a favorite during the Christmas season, enjoyed around the world as a simple, timeless treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 1/2 oz all-purpose flour
- 10 oz unsalted butter, softened
- 3 1/2 oz granulated sugar
- 1 tsp fine sea salt
Recipe Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 325°F. Grate the butter into a bowl and place it in the freezer for 30 minutes.
2. Place the 3.5 oz. of sugar, flour, salt, and frozen butter in the work bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and beat slowly until it is fine like sand. Be careful not to overwork the mixture.
3. Press the mixture into a square, 8-inch baking pan and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
4. Remove from the oven and sprinkle 1-2 tbsp sugar over the top. Let it cool and then cut the shortbread into bars or circles.
Why We Love Scottish Shortbread for the Holidays
Scottish shortbread is a true holiday classic. Its rich, buttery flavor pairs beautifully with tea or coffee and complements other holiday treats on the dessert table. Shortbread also makes a wonderful homemade gift for friends and family—a simple, thoughtful gesture wrapped up with a little ribbon. And with its long history and festive traditions, shortbread is an easy way to bring a bit of Scottish culture and Christmas cheer to your celebrations.
Scottish shortbread brings both tradition and a touch of elegance to any holiday season. With just a few ingredients, you can create this beloved classic right at home, perfect for sharing, gifting, or savoring alongside family and friends. Try this recipe to enjoy a cozy taste of Scotland this Christmas, and let the rich, buttery goodness of shortbread make your holiday season even brighter. Happy baking!
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