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Classic Melt-in-Your-Mouth Scottish Shortbread

This authentic shortbread recipe features the perfect balance of buttery richness and delicate texture that has made this traditional Scottish treat beloved for generations. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create these irresistible cookies that literally melt in your mouth with each bite.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 12 cookies
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Scottish
Calories: 267
Ingredients Method Nutrition

Ingredients
  

  • 2½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup granulated sugar plus extra for sprinkling
  • 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • ¼ teaspoon salt if using unsalted butter
  • ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract optional

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease an 8×8 inch square baking pan.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. The mixture should be pale in color and very smooth.
  3. If using vanilla extract, mix it in at this stage.
  4. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing at low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix — stop when the dough comes together and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
  5. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times until smooth. The dough should feel soft but not sticky.
  6. For traditional wedges: Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Prick the entire surface with a fork (this prevents bubbling) and score into wedges using a knife.
  7. For individual cookies: Roll the dough to about ½-inch thickness and cut with cookie cutters, or shape into a log and slice into rounds.
  8. Bake for 20-25 minutes until firm but not browned. The shortbread should remain pale with just a hint of golden color at the edges.
  9. While still warm, sprinkle the surface lightly with additional granulated sugar. Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutrition

Calories: 267kcalCarbohydrates: 29gProtein: 3gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 41mgSodium: 122mgFiber: 1gSugar: 9g
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