Scottish Shortbread Cookies – Just three ingredients to mix up these buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies. So quick and easy to make and enjoy with a cup of hot tea. This buttery Scottish shortbread recipe is perfect for a weeknight dessert or a Christmas cookie tray.
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If youve never tried traditional Scottish shortbread cookies before, you are really in for a treat with this recipe. The beauty of a Scottish shortbread cookie recipe is that it requires only three ingredients. Yes – three! Youll just need sugar, butter, and flour.
As mentioned above, the main differences between the two styles of cookies are butter content and inclusion of leavening agents. These differences result in very different texture and taste experiences. No matter your preference, you can be sure to get a quality product from Walkers Shortbread.
How to soften butter to room temperature
- The counter method – You can set the butter on your counter and leave it for an hour or two. It shouldnt be melty – just soft so that you can easily press a finger into it.
- The hot bowl method – Place the butter on a plate. Fill a large bowl with very hot water and then spill it out. Place it upside down over the top of the butter. The warmth of the bowl will slowly soften the butter.
To make the shortbread dough, start by creaming the butter and sugar together. You can do this by hand or by adding the butter and sugar to a stand mixer and whipping until soft and well incorporated.
Add the flour and mix until just combined. Dont knead the dough – this activates and makes the gluten stronger which is great for bread but not for cookies.
Roll the dough into a ball and then flatten it into a disc and wrap it in plastic. Chill the dough in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
How To Make Shortbread Cookies
Prep Tips
- soften the butter to room temperature (check the tips below!)
- the dough will need to chill but you can line cookie sheets ahead of time if you want to
- cut some plastic wrap to size to wrap the dough in to chill
RECIPE TIP: You can use a stand mixer, electric handheld mixer, or just mix by hand using a spatula.
My Scottish Grandma’s Famous Shortbread Recipe + Why I Flew to Florida for it!
FAQ
What makes Scottish shortbread different?
Is shortbread Scottish or English?
What’s the difference between Irish shortbread and Scottish shortbread?
What country makes the best shortbread?