Experience the timeless allure of Traditional Shortbread—a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth treat that embodies simplicity and elegance. Crafted with just four basic ingredients—unsalted butter, granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, and a pinch of salt—this classic recipe delivers a rich, crumbly texture and delicate sweetness that’s perfect for any occasion. With a brief prep time of only 15 minutes and an effortless bake, these golden treats are versatile enough to serve alongside tea, coffee, or as an indulgent snack on their own. Decorated with delicate fork pricks for even baking, each piece boasts a charming homemade touch and can be stored for up to a week. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or treating yourself to a moment of joy, this Traditional Shortbread recipe will transport you to the heart of Scottish baking traditions.
Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together using a wooden spoon or hand mixer until smooth and creamy.
Sift the flour into the butter-sugar mixture and add the pinch of salt. Mix gently until the dough starts to come together. Be careful not to overwork it.
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead just enough to combine fully into a smooth ball.
Roll out the dough to approximately 1 cm (1/3 inch) thickness. Use a sharp knife or cookie cutter to cut into your desired shapes (e.g., rectangles or classic rounds).
Transfer the shapes onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
Prick the surface of each shortbread piece gently with a fork for decoration and even baking.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Avoid browning the shortbread too much, as it should remain pale.
Remove the shortbread from the oven and let it cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serve the shortbread as a standalone treat, or store in an airtight container for up to a week.
Calories |
3127 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 197.5 g | 253% | |
| Saturated Fat | 114.0 g | 570% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 503 mg | 168% | |
| Sodium | 177 mg | 8% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 328.9 g | 120% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.2 g | 29% | |
| Total Sugars | 100.6 g | ||
| Protein | 32.6 g | 65% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 89 mg | 7% | |
| Iron | 13.9 mg | 77% | |
| Potassium | 370 mg | 8% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.