Best 3 European Shortbread Recipes
European shortbread, a classic and versatile treat, has delighted palates for centuries. Its simple yet exquisite flavor profile makes it a perfect accompaniment to tea or coffee, while its crumbly texture and buttery aroma evoke a sense of comfort and nostalgia. With its origins in Scotland, European shortbread has evolved over time, with variations found across different regions and cultures. In this article, we will explore some of the most beloved European shortbread recipes, providing you with step-by-step instructions and helpful tips to ensure perfect results every time. Whether you are a seasoned baker or just starting your culinary journey, let's embark on a delightful expedition into the world of European shortbread and discover the secrets behind its enduring charm.
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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
SCOTTISH SHORTBREAD II
Light, very buttery. Does not make a large batch, but are simple enough to make many batches. Recipe does not double well.
Provided by Cheryl Otten
Categories World Cuisine Recipes European UK and Ireland Scottish
Yield 12
Number Of Ingredients 3
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C).
- Blend all ingredients well. Dough will be stiff.
- Press into a 9 x 9 inch buttered dish. Prick top with a fork.
- Bake until pale golden brown on the edges. Cool and cut into squares.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 180.1 calories, Carbohydrate 17.5 g, Cholesterol 30.5 mg, Fat 11.7 g, Fiber 0.4 g, Protein 1.7 g, SaturatedFat 7.3 g, Sodium 82 mg, Sugar 5.6 g
SCOTTISH SHORTBREAD
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Place butter in mixer and beat with paddle until soft and light. Beat in sugar in a stream and continue beating 5 to 10 minutes until the mixture is very light and whitened. Stir in the flour by hand until it absorbed, no more or the dough will toughen.
- Scrape the dough onto a floured surface and flour the dough with pinches of flour. Press the dough out with your hands, then roll over once or twice very gently with a rolling pin until the dough is about 1/2-inch thick. Cut the dough with floured cutters and transfer the cut pieces to a paper lined pan.
- Bake the shortbread for about 15 minutes until it is very lightly colored. Cool the shortbread on a rack.
- To use a shortbread mold to shape, press the mold into the floured dough and cut around it. Transfer the cut and molded dough to a paper lined pan and chill about 1 hour until firm. Bake as above.
Tips:
- Use cold butter. Cold butter creates a more flaky dough, which is essential for shortbread.
- Work the dough quickly. Overworking the dough will make it tough.
- Chill the dough before baking. Chilling the dough helps it to hold its shape and prevents it from spreading too much in the oven.
- Bake the shortbread until it is golden brown. Shortbread should be baked until it is just set in the center. Overbaking will make it dry and crumbly.
- Let the shortbread cool completely before slicing and serving. This will help to prevent it from crumbling.
Conclusion:
Shortbread is a delicious and versatile cookie that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is perfect for any occasion, from a casual get-together to a formal party. With its simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, shortbread is a great recipe for beginning bakers. So next time you are looking for a sweet treat, give shortbread a try.
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