Classic shortbread has a rich and distinct buttery and sweet flavour. It has a tender and melt-in-mouth consistency with a crisp surface. With only 3 pantry ingredients this cookie is the most basic and simple recipe. Whether to celebrate festivities or enjoy your evening tea/coffee, this classic shortbread is perfect.
Shortbread is a famous traditional Scottish delicacy and gets its name from its crumbly texture. The crumbly texture is the result of high-fat content which prevents the formation of gluten. Even though shortbread was born in Scotland, now they are widely made especially during festivities around the world.
I think the charm of the classic shortbread is simplicity and versatility. This shortbread can be created with a variety of flavours such as my chocolate shortbread recipe. You can create your variations with this basic recipe.
With just three basic ingredients such as flour, butter, and sugar these cookies are the definition of easy. You also don’t require any mixer or processor, your good old whisk or spatula is enough. Although, the effort to make them is so minimal the reward is delectable, melt-in-mouth cookies.
If you have the basic pantry ingredients on hand, you can whip up this classic shortbread in no time.
Ingredients required to make classic shortbread:
- Butter- room temperature. You can use both salted and unsalted.
- Powdered sugar
- All-purpose flour
How to make classic shortbread?
This recipe is as basic and simple as possible.
(detailed recipe card is available below)
Mix butter and sugar-
Mix butter and sugar with a whisk/spatula till we get a creamy consistency.
Add dry ingredient-
Add flour and mix with a spatula till dry ingredients are invisible and crumbs are formed.
Shaping the shortbread-
Transfer the cookie dough to a butter/parchment paper-lined pan. With the help of your hands or flat-bottomed utensil flatten the dough into a smooth and even layer.
Use a sharp knife or a scrapper score the dough into the preferred shape. With the help of a fork prick the surface of the dough.
Baking
Bake in a preheated oven until slightly golden. Let it cool in the pan for 5 minutes then re-cut the cookies. Place them on a wire rack to cool completely.
How to store classic shortbread?
Store in an airtight container for 1 week. Do not refrigerate as the temperature inside the fridge might affect the texture of the cookies.
How to freeze classic shortbread?
Place the completely cooled shortbread on a parchment-lined baking sheet to freeze them. Once frozen, transfer them into a freezer bag. Baked shortbread cookies can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, remove them from the freezer bag and place them on a plate or baking sheet at room temperature.
If you loved this recipe, try these!
Classic Shortbread
Ingredients
- 120 g Butter (room temperature) ½ cup
- 60 g Sugar(powdered) ⅔ cup
- 180 g All-purpose flour 1¼ cups
Instructions
- 1. Preheat the oven to 180℃/300℉. Line an 8-by-8-inch cake pan with parchment/butter paper.
- 2. Mix the butter and sugar with a spatula until light and fluffy.
- 3. Add all-purpose flour and mix with a spatula till just combined (do not overwork).
- 4. Transfer the dough to the prepared pan, spreading it out as evenly as possible with a spatula. Using your hands or flat-bottomed utensil flatten the dough into a smooth even layer.
- 5. Score/cut the dough with a sharp knife/scrapper into approximately 1-by-4-inch bars. Use a fork to prick the surface of the cookie dough
- 6. Bake at 180℃/300℉ for 35 to 40 minutes or until golden. Let stand for 5 minutes in the pan, then re-cut the bars along the previous cuts. Carefully lift the bars off the parchment with a small spatula and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.