Scotland-Inspired Shortbread for Tea Time

I’m always looking for easy recipes that don’t call for a lot of ingredients but still tastes good – This is one of them.

How is traditional Shortbread made?

“Shortbread or shortie is a traditional Scottish biscuit usually made from one part white sugar, two parts butter, and three to four parts plain wheat flour. Unlike many other biscuits and baked goods, shortbread does not contain any leavening, such as baking powder or baking soda.” – Wikipedia

Although many of the best recipes, for Scottish shortbread, calls for rice flour, you can make an easier version at home with what you have in your cupboard. Bonus: It will still taste delicious!

So, looking for an easy fool-proof recipe for Shortbread?

A recipe that only needs the ingredients which you might already have at home?

Then this recipe is for you. PS: It is also a great recipe for beginner bakers…

Easy fool-proof recipe for Shortbread

Ingredients

500 g Butter

250 ml Icing Sugar

4 x 250 ml Cake Wheat Flour (plain flour)

65 ml Cornflour

1 ml Salt

How to make the shortbread

Cream the butter and icing sugar together.
Add the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly.
Knead a little bit, until elastic and press down in a 20 x 24 cm ovenproof dish.
Take a fork and make little holes all over.
Then bake for 30 minutes in a preheated oven at 140 C (275 F), reduce heat, and bake at 120 C (250 F) for 1 1/2 hours.
Cut while it is still hot, but let it cool down in the dish for a few minutes.

A tip from the chef: You can also make the dough into a roll, wrap it in cling foil and let it sit in the refrigerator for about an hour. Then take it out and cut it (almost like a bread) into slices, which you can bake as you need it. (It will keep for up to a week in the refrigerator.)

What is the secret to good Shortbread?

Because Shortbread has so few ingredients, you simply cannot get away with cutting corners; Use the best quality butter (NOT MARGARINE) and sugar that you can afford. That way you’ll get good results.

Using a fork to prick the dough all over; allows any steam to escape therefore creating a more crispy shortbread.

Great ideas:

It is the perfect recipe to make and keep in the fridge. When those unexpected guests arrive, you’ll be ready…

Makes good gifts for Christmas and excellent treats for just about any celebration.

You can decorate it with sifted icing sugar or you can drizzle with caramel when cooled.

Enjoy !

The delicious shortbread recipe’s origin is from beautiful Scotland. If you’re ever traveling to Scotland – remember to check out our easy-to-use DIY travel booking page for everything you’ll need.

After you’ve tried this recipe – post a photo on our Facebook page – We would love to hear from you : https://www.facebook.com/groups/reisenhuis (Afrikaans and more home related) or https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelandhome (All languages welcome – our Main Page)