Best 4 Solstice Shortbread Recipes

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Solstice shortbread, a delectable and time-honored treat, holds a special place in culinary traditions worldwide. Embracing the essence of the winter solstice, this delectable shortbread embodies the spirit of renewal, light, and celebration. As the shortest day of the year approaches, home bakers eagerly seek the perfect recipe to capture the magic of this celestial event. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting your culinary journey, let's embark on a delightful exploration to discover the best solstice shortbread recipe that will warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds.

Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!

MELT - IN - YOUR - MOUTH SHORTBREAD



Melt - In - Your - Mouth Shortbread image

This quick and easy shortbread will literally melt when you take a bite. Great for Christmas parties with a little bit of decorating.

Provided by Jennifer Wilton

Categories     Desserts     Cookies     Drop Cookie Recipes

Time 25m

Yield 24

Number Of Ingredients 4

1 cup butter, softened
½ cup confectioners' sugar
¼ cup cornstarch
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  • Whip butter with an electric mixer until fluffy. Stir in the confectioners' sugar, cornstarch, and flour. Beat on low for one minute, then on high for 3 to 4 minutes. Drop cookies by spoonfuls 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet.
  • Bake for 12 to 15 minutes in the preheated oven. Watch that the edges don't brown too much. Cool on wire racks.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 111.1 calories, Carbohydrate 9.7 g, Cholesterol 20.3 mg, Fat 7.8 g, Fiber 0.2 g, Protein 0.9 g, SaturatedFat 4.9 g, Sodium 54.8 mg, Sugar 2.5 g

SOLSTICE SHORTBREAD



Solstice Shortbread image

This recipe is courtesy of King Arthur Flour. As stated on the site......."In ancient times, Scotsmen marked the winter solstice - the first day of winter - with bonfires, entreating the sun to return over the course of the year's longest night. From this tradition was born first a round cake, notched on the side to represent the sun's rays; and then today's familiar wedge-shaped shortbread."

Provided by dojemi

Categories     < 60 Mins

Time 45m

Yield 2 dozen wedges

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 cup unsalted butter (see note*)
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
2 1/3 cups king arthur unbleached all-purpose flour
2/3 cup crystallized ginger

Steps:

  • 1) Preheat the oven to 325°F Lightly grease two 9" round cake pans, or two 8" or 9" stoneware shortbread pans, or a combination.
  • 2) Combine the butter, salt, sugar, and vanilla in a mixing bowl, and beat till smooth.
  • 3) Place 1 cup of the flour in a food processor with the crystallized ginger. Process until the ginger is finely minced; this may take up to 1 minute.
  • 4) Add this mixture, with the remaining 1 1/3 cups flour, to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat until well combined.
  • 5) Divide the dough in half, and press half into each pan, smoothing the surface with your fingers or a pastry roller.
  • 6) Prick the dough all over with a fork; this will prevent it from ballooning up or developing air bubbles as it bakes.
  • 7) Bake the shortbread till it's golden brown all over, and a bit browner around the edges, about 35 minutes. Remove it from the oven.
  • 8) Loosen the edges of the shortbread from the pan, using a table knife or heatproof nylon spatula. Wait just a minute or two, then turn the shortbread out of the pan onto a piece of parchment or a clean work surface.
  • 9) Use a bench knife, a knife, or (easiest) a rolling pizza cutter to cut each round into 12 wedges. Do this immediately, while the shortbread is still warm. If you wait, it'll be difficult to cut.
  • 10) Transfer the wedges to a rack to cool.
  • NOTE*: One reviewer suggested 'browning the butter' first.

SHORTBREAD



Shortbread image

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

¼ cup white sugar
½ cup unsalted butter
1 cup all-purpose flour
⅓ cup white rice flour

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

COFFEE SHORTBREAD



Coffee Shortbread image

Attention coffee lovers! This is a recipe I got from a pamphlet advertising Starbuck's Winter Blend coffee. I made them just before Christmas, using a dark roast coffee from our local coffee company, and they disappeared very quickly. All who tried them asked me for the recipe. I guess they aren't a true shortbread because of the addition of the liquid, but they sure are tasty! The yield is 2-3 dozen cookies. I think I got 3 dozen, easily, using a small star-shaped cookie cutter.

Provided by J. Ko

Categories     Dessert

Time 1h15m

Yield 24-36 cookies

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 1/2 cups butter
1 cup granulated sugar
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup brewed coffee, room temperature (A dark roast gives the best flavour, but use what you have on hand.)
1 tablespoon ground coffee, toasted
1/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped (optional)
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1 egg, beaten (egg wash)

Steps:

  • Set aside 1/4 c of your morning coffee to cool.
  • Spread the ground coffee on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, bake in oven at 350 F for about 6 minutes, or until toasted. Cool to room temperature.
  • Cream the butter and sugar together, then add the brewed coffee.
  • Add the flour, toasted coffee grounds and chopped cranberries, if using, mixing until it is all combined. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
  • Roll out the dough to a 1/2 inch thickness. Cut into any shape using cookie cutters. Place on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
  • Brush the cookies with the egg wash, sprinkle with sugar and press a dried cranberry into the center of each cookie.
  • Bake at 300 F for approximately 20 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 186.9, Fat 11.8, SaturatedFat 7.4, Cholesterol 39.3, Sodium 85, Carbohydrate 18.9, Fiber 0.4, Sugar 8.9, Protein 1.7

Tips for Making Perfect Solstice Shortbread:

  • Use high-quality ingredients. This means using real butter, not margarine, and using a good quality flour.
  • Make sure your butter is cold. This will help to create a flaky crust.
  • Don't overwork the dough. This will make the shortbread tough.
  • Chill the dough before baking. This will help to prevent the shortbread from spreading too much in the oven.
  • Bake the shortbread in a preheated oven. This will help to ensure that the shortbread cooks evenly.
  • Don't overbake the shortbread. The shortbread should be slightly golden brown around the edges.
  • Let the shortbread cool completely before cutting it. This will help to prevent the shortbread from crumbling.

Conclusion:

Solstice shortbread is a delicious and festive treat that is perfect for any holiday gathering. With its buttery flavor and flaky crust, this shortbread is sure to be a hit with everyone. So next time you're looking for a special treat to make, give this solstice shortbread recipe a try.

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