Shortbread is the ultimate test of butter quality. Three ingredients — butter, sugar, flour — and nothing to hide behind. The butter provides all the flavour and all the fat. The result should melt on the tongue, crumble at the touch, and taste specifically and completely of butter.
Grass-fed butter from high-quality dairy (Kerrygold being the most widely available) produces shortbread that tastes noticeably richer and more complex than commodity butter. The higher betacarotene content gives it a slightly more golden colour. The higher conjugated linoleic acid content is a nutritional bonus.
Scottish Butter Shortbread Recipe
Ingredients
- 225g (1 cup) grass-fed butter, softened to room temperature
- 100g (½ cup) caster sugar (plus extra for dusting)
- 300g (2½ cups) plain flour
- Pinch of fine sea salt
Method
- Beat the softened butter and caster sugar together in a bowl until pale and fluffy — 3 minutes with a hand mixer, or 5 minutes by hand.
- Add the flour and salt. Mix until the dough just comes together — do not overwork.
- Press the dough into a lined 23×33cm baking tin or two 20cm round tins to approximately 1.5cm depth. Smooth the top with the back of a spoon.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 160°C (325°F). Bake for 18-22 minutes until the edges are very pale golden and the centre is set. Shortbread should not brown significantly.
- While still warm, use a sharp knife to score into fingers or wedges.
- Dust lightly with caster sugar.
- Cool completely in the tin before removing — shortbread is very fragile while warm.
Is shortbread seed oil free?
Yes. Grass-fed butter, flour, and sugar contain no seed oils. Most commercial shortbread contains palm oil or sunflower oil.
Why chill the dough?
Chilling firms the butter so the shortbread holds its shape during baking and does not spread. It also develops the flavour slightly.
Why score while warm?
Shortbread sets very firm as it cools and will crack rather than cut cleanly if scored cold.
Follow Savannah: @theefoodiekitchen · All Links
African, Hawaiian, Indian, Mediterranean, Asian, Exotic, Chicken, Rice, Cookies, Coffee, Spices, Plants, World Cuisine, 30-Minute Dinners and more.
View All 23 Books on Amazon →