12 May 2025
Cook time 30 min
Prep time 20 min
Ingredients:
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter
1 cup all-purpose white wheat flour
1/3 cup white rice flour
Welcome to a delightful journey of making Traditional Shortbread! This classic treat is known for its rich, buttery flavor and crumbly texture. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a batch of delicious shortbread that will impress your friends and family.
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. Prepare the Baking Tray:
Line a baking tray with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent the shortbread from sticking.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the room temperature butter and sugar using a wooden spoon or an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose white wheat flour and white rice flour to combine.
5. Incorporate the Flours:
Gradually add the flour mixture to the creamed butter and sugar. Mix on low speed or with a spoon until just combined. The dough will be crumbly but should hold together when pressed.
6. Form the Dough:
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and gently knead it until it comes together into a smooth ball. Be careful not to overwork the dough, as this can make the shortbread tough.
7. Roll Out the Dough:
Roll the dough out to about 1/4 inch (6mm) thickness. You can use a rolling pin lightly dusted with flour to prevent sticking.
8. Shape the Cookies:
Using a cookie cutter or a knife, cut the dough into your desired shapes. Traditional shortbread is often cut into rectangles or rounds.
9. Transfer to Baking Tray:
Place the shaped dough onto the prepared baking tray, spacing them slightly apart. Optionally, you can prick the surface of each cookie a few times with a fork to create a decorative pattern.
10. Chill the Dough:
For best results, chill the shaped dough in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies maintain their shape and texture.
11. Bake the Shortbread:
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the shortbread is lightly golden around the edges. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don't overbake.
12. Cool the Cookies:
Remove the baking tray from the oven and allow the shortbread to cool on the tray for 5 minutes. Then, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
13. Serve and Store:
Enjoy your traditional shortbread with a cup of tea or coffee. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Tips:
- Ensure that your butter is at room temperature before starting the recipe. This makes it easier to mix and helps achieve the perfect texture.
- For an even bake, try to roll out the dough to a consistent thickness. This will help the shortbread cook uniformly.
- Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. Chilling helps to solidify the butter, which in turn helps to maintain the shape of the shortbread during baking.
- Use a fork to poke holes in the dough before baking. This not only adds to the traditional look but also prevents the shortbread from puffing up unevenly.
- For a special touch, you can sprinkle a little granulated sugar on top of the shortbread before baking or right after they come out of the oven.
Congratulations! You've just made a batch of traditional shortbread that is sure to make anyone's day a little brighter. Whether enjoyed with a hot cup of tea or coffee, or simply on its own, this buttery, crumbly treat is a timeless classic for a reason. Enjoy your homemade shortbread!