Get ready to experience a buttery, crumbly slice of heaven with Patty Ann's legendary Scotch Shortbread! This traditional Scottish treat is more than just a cookie - it's a rich, delicate experience that will make your taste buds dance with delight. With just a few simple ingredients and some baking magic, you'll create a mouthwatering dessert that has been perfected over generations of Scottish baking tradition.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Scottish
Serves: 16 pieces
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). This ensures that your oven reaches the right temperature for baking the shortbread evenly.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened butter and 1/2 cup of sugar using an electric mixer or a wooden spoon. Beat the mixture until it is light and fluffy, which should take about 3-5 minutes.
- Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix well to ensure that the vanilla is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- In a separate bowl, sift together 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Sifting helps to aerate the flour and ensures that there are no lumps.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture. Stir gently with a wooden spoon or spatula until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the shortbread tough.
- Once the dough has formed, transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Gently knead the dough a few times until it is smooth and cohesive.
- Pat the dough into a rectangular shape, approximately 1/2 inch thick. You can also roll it out with a rolling pin if you prefer a more uniform thickness.
- Transfer the shaped dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Use a sharp knife to score the surface of the dough into 16 equal pieces, being careful not to cut all the way through.
- Prick the top of each piece with a fork to create a decorative pattern and to help the shortbread bake evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to ensure they do not overbake.
- Once baked, remove the shortbread from the oven and allow it to cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes. This will help them firm up slightly.
- After cooling, carefully transfer the shortbread to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, you can break the scored pieces apart.
- Enjoy Patty Ann's Scotch Shortbread with a cup of tea or coffee, or store in an airtight container for up to a week!
Tips
- • Use room temperature butter for the smoothest, creamiest mixture • Don't overwork the dough - mix just until ingredients are combined • Sifting flour helps create a lighter, more delicate texture • Use a sharp knife to score the shortbread before baking for clean, even pieces • Allow the shortbread to cool completely to achieve that signature crisp texture • Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to a week • For extra richness, consider using high-quality European-style butter • Serve with a hot cup of tea for an authentic Scottish experience
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 182kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
