Hailing from Scotland, British shortbread is a classic treat that has delighted taste buds for centuries. Its crumbly texture and buttery flavor have made it a beloved staple in homes and bakeries across the globe. With its simple yet irresistible charm, this iconic cookie has stood the test of time and continues to captivate hearts with every bite. In this article, we'll embark on a culinary journey to uncover the secrets behind the perfect British shortbread. We'll explore the essential ingredients, techniques, and tips that will guide you towards creating this delectable masterpiece in your own kitchen. So, gather your apron, preheat your oven, and let's delve into the world of British shortbread, a delightful treat that promises to tantalize your taste buds and leave you yearning for more.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
MILLIONAIRE'S SHORTBREAD
This is a delicious Millionaire's shortbread recipe! It makes a great dessert or snack that will have your family begging for more. The only problem you are going to have is trying to stop yourself from eating it all!
Provided by Miija Veley
Categories Desserts Cookies Bar Cookie Recipes
Time 1h50m
Yield 12
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease a 9-inch square pan.
- Sift flour into a bowl. Rub in butter with your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine bread crumbs. Mix in brown sugar and shape dough into a ball.
- Press dough into the prepared pan. Prick all over with a fork.
- Bake in the preheated oven until set and golden brown, about 20 minutes. Let cool.
- Meanwhile, combine condensed milk, butter, and brown sugar in a nonstick saucepan over medium-low heat. Cook, stirring constantly, until caramel comes to a boil. Reduce heat and cook until golden and pulling away from the sides of the pan, 4 to 5 minutes.
- Pour caramel over cooled crust and refrigerate until firm to the touch, about 1 hour.
- Place chocolate in top of a double boiler over simmering water. Stir frequently, scraping down the sides with a rubber spatula to avoid scorching, until chocolate is melted, about 5 minutes.
- Spread melted chocolate over cooled caramel. Refrigerate until chocolate hardens, about 15 minutes. Cut into bars.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 364.2 calories, Carbohydrate 44.7 g, Cholesterol 44.8 mg, Fat 18.7 g, Fiber 0.9 g, Protein 5.4 g, SaturatedFat 11.4 g, Sodium 136.5 mg, Sugar 31.6 g
REAL ENGLISH SHORTBREAD OR 123 SHORTBREAD
Its as easy as 123 and is absolutley the best shortbread recipe around. This recipe was given to my grandmother from an old English lady and Im so glad she passed it down to me.
Provided by Myacooks
Categories Winter
Time 25m
Yield 24 cookies, 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 3
Steps:
- Beat sugar into the softened butter. ( I leave this mixture on the counter for half an hour so that the sugar dissolves into the butter properly. Then pour this into the flour and beat until mixture is white.
- drop by spoonful onto parchment papered cookie sheet place a christmas cherry on top and bake at 300-325 until pale brown. (not sure exactly how long, probably 10- 15 minutes.
- You might want to double the recipe on this one, because you'll end up not being able to put these down.
SCOTTISH SHORTBREAD
Scottish settlers first came to this area over 150 years ago. My mother herself was Scottish, and-as with most of my favorite recipes-she passed this shortbread recipe on to me. I make a triple batch of it each year at Christmas, to enjoy and as gifts. -Rose Mabee, Selkirk, Manitoba
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Desserts
Time 35m
Yield about 4 dozen.
Number Of Ingredients 3
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 325°. Cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Add 3-3/4 cups flour; mix well. Turn dough onto a floured surface; knead for 5 minutes, adding enough remaining flour to form a soft dough. , Roll to 1/2-in. thickness. Cut into 3x1-in. strips. Place 1 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Prick with fork. Bake until cookies are lightly browned, 20-25 minutes. Cool.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 123 calories, Fat 8g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 20mg cholesterol, Sodium 62mg sodium, Carbohydrate 12g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 1g protein.
ENGLISH SHORTBREAD
I've been making this shortbread for years. It's easy and quick to make, with only three ingredients. when I serve it at gatherings, someone always requests the recipe!
Provided by truebrit
Categories Bar Cookie
Time 30m
Yield 12 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Mix the butter and sugar together until light and creamy.
- Gradually work in the flour (Mixture will be crumbly).
- Press mixture into a greased 9" x 13" pan.
- Prick all over with a fork (Dip fork in some flour before pricking shortbread).
- Sprinkle with a teaspoon of sugar (Optional).
- Put into oven for about 20 minutes, or until pale golden.
- When cool, cut into bars.
BRITISH'S SHORTBREAD
A lovely way to compliment a cup of tea!
Provided by british89
Time 30m
Yield Makes Biscuits
Number Of Ingredients 0
Steps:
- sieve the flour .
- mix the butter with the sugar - until it becomes more of a creamy color.
- gently add the flower to the sugar and butter mixture. Once you are unable to mix together with a spoon, start to mix with your hands to form a dough ball. Once done, start to seperate into 12 seperate dough balls. Take 2 baking trays and flatten the dough balls into circular shapes (or whatever shape you wish just as long as they are around 1cm in depth and about 5cm accross).
- Place in the over at 190C for about 20 minutes (or until golden brown). Leave to stand until cool.
SHORTBREAD
This is a compilation of several Shortbread recipes I have from British cookbooks. I have been to England three times and REAL shortbread is a favorite. It should use real butter and not be TOO sweet.
Provided by Norita Solt
Categories World Cuisine Recipes European UK and Ireland English
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
- Line a baking sheet with greaseproof (parchment) paper. Sift the flour and rice flour into a medium mixing bowl. Add the sugar and mix.
- Cut butter into pieces and rub into the flour with your fingertips until the mixture begins to bind together. Knead into soft dough.
- Roll the dough into an 8 inch round (or for exact round, mold it in an 8 inch cake pan). Place on baking sheet. Using a fork, prick top and make tine marks along edge. Using a table knife, score top with wedge marks. (This is where it will break when cooled)
- Bake 45 minutes or until pale golden in color. Sprinkle a little superfine sugar over top and cool on baking sheet. Cut into wedges. Keeps for weeks in airtight tin.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 275.8 calories, Carbohydrate 31.3 g, Cholesterol 40.7 mg, Fat 15.7 g, Fiber 0.8 g, Protein 2.8 g, SaturatedFat 9.8 g, Sodium 2.5 mg, Sugar 8.4 g
TRADITIONAL ENGLISH SHORTBREADS
From the heart of Scotland, these sugary treats have become the centre of the British culture. These Biscuits are perfect to bake with children and are a simple treat to start you baking.
Provided by British Bakery
Time 25m
Yield Makes 6-10 Shortbread's
Number Of Ingredients 0
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 160°C/gas 3.
- Lightly grease baking tray or place a piece of baking paper over the tin (to stop the unlikely event of the Shortbread sticking).
- Place sifted flour and sugar into bowl and mix together.
- Dice the margarine and gradually rub into flour until breadcrumbs.
- Add vanilla essence and carry on rubbing in with fingertips.
- When the mixture sticks together, place on floured workspace and gently knead until a soft ball.
- Roll out until 1.5 cm in thickness, then cut into Shortbread fingers or petticoat tails. (Using a biscuit cutter is a good way to get a more defined shape)
- Prick all over with a fork or a cocktail stick and (for petticoat tails) mark the edges as well.
- Place in the oven for 15-20 mins and then leave to cool. (Make sure you take the Shortbread out when it is starting to darken round the edges of the biscuit)
- Sprinkle caster sugar over the biscuits (after fully cooled).
Tips:
- For the most authentic shortbread, use real butter. It will give your shortbread a richer flavor and a more crumbly texture.
- Make sure your butter is cold before you start baking. This will help to keep the shortbread from spreading too much.
- Don't overwork the dough. Overworking the dough will make the shortbread tough.
- Use a cookie press to create fun shapes for your shortbread.
- Shortbread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Conclusion:
Shortbread is a delicious and versatile cookie that is perfect for any occasion. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, shortbread is a great recipe for bakers of all skill levels. Whether you're looking for a classic shortbread recipe or something a little more creative, you're sure to find the perfect recipe in this collection. So next time you're in the mood for a sweet treat, give shortbread a try!
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