Best Ashleys Scottish Shortbread Recipes

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TRADITIONAL SCOTTISH SHORTBREAD



Traditional Scottish Shortbread image

Perfectly crumbly, irresistibly buttery and wonderfully delicious, Scottish Shortbread has been a favorite treat for centuries!

Provided by Kimberly Killebrew

Categories     Dessert

Time 40m

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 cups (240 grams) all-purpose flour
2 sticks (230 grams) quality unsalted butter
1/2 cup (120 grams) caster sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
Optional Add-Ins:
Homemade Candied Ginger ((click link for recipe))
Homemade Candied Citrus Peel ((click link for recipe))
Other options include nuts, fresh herbs, dried cranberries, etc.

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter a 8x8 or 9x9 inch square baking pan. You can also use a round cake can and cut the shortbread into triangles.
  • Place the caster sugar, flour, salt and butter in a food processor and pulse until it's combined and looks like coarse breadcrumbs but is soft and pliable and comes together in a dough when you press it together between your fingers. If it's too dry and crumbly it needs to be pulsed a bit longer. (If using any add-ins, stir them in at this point.)Pour the mixture into the greased baking pan. Use your fingers and hands to firmly press down the mixture. Note: If the mixture is too dry to work with, including pricking with a fork (see below), then it was not pulsed long enough in the food processor. Optional: Prick the shortbread with the tines of a fork, creating rows. Some people also like run a knife between each row of fork tines to make cutting the shortbread easier after it's baked. You can also prick the shortbread with a fork immediately after it is done baking while it is still warm; the holes will be more pronounced this way as they have a tendency to close during baking.
  • Place the shortbread on the middle rack and bake for 30-35 minutes or until light golden and firm. Let cool. Cut and serve.Store the shortbread in an airtight container for up to several weeks. Its flavor and texture improves over time.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 shortbread finger, Calories 162 kcal, Carbohydrate 16 g, Protein 1 g, Fat 10 g, SaturatedFat 6 g, Cholesterol 26 mg, Sodium 154 mg, Sugar 5 g

SCOTCH SHORTBREAD



Scotch Shortbread image

My best friend in high school's mom made this for me when I had my first overnight stay in a hospital. I loved it so much that I made it whenever I got the chance. When we lived overseas, my mom had to limit the number of times I could make it because butter was so expensive. Now it's part of my Christmas baking. Very rich and good!

Provided by SueSmo79

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     UK and Ireland     Scottish

Time 35m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 4

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup butter, at room temperature
½ cup white sugar
1 tablespoon white sugar, or as needed

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C).
  • Mix flour, butter, and 1/2 cup sugar together in a bowl using your hands until dough is well combined. Press dough into an ungreased 11 1/2x 7 1/2-inch pan or jelly roll pan. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon sugar.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until edges are light brown, 20 to 30 minutes. Cut shortbread into squares in the pan while still warm. Cool completely before removing squares from pan.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 266.7 calories, Carbohydrate 29.3 g, Cholesterol 40.7 mg, Fat 15.6 g, Fiber 0.7 g, Protein 2.9 g, SaturatedFat 9.8 g, Sodium 109.5 mg, Sugar 9.4 g

SCOTTISH SHORTBREAD



Scottish Shortbread image

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

2 cups butter, softened
1 cup packed brown sugar
4 to 4-1/2 cups all-purpose flour

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.

SCOTTISH SHORTBREAD



Scottish Shortbread image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     dessert

Number Of Ingredients 3

1/2 pound best unsalted butter
1/2 cup superfine sugar
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

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.

Ashley's Scottish Shortbread Recipes: The Tradition of a Family Recipe

There is something comforting about family traditions, especially when they revolve around food. Ashley's Scottish Shortbread Recipe is one such tradition that has been passed down through her family for generations. The recipe is simple yet delicious, highlighting the rich and buttery taste of the Scottish shortbread.

The History of Scottish Shortbread

Shortbread has been a staple in Scottish cuisine since the Middle Ages. Originally, it was made using leftover bread dough that was dried out in a low oven until it was hard and crumbly. This became known as "shortbread," as the term "short" referred to any dough that was crumbly and rich.

The recipe evolved over time, with butter – a much more expensive ingredient - replacing the bread dough. By the 16th century, Scottish shortbread was a highly prized treat, often reserved for special occasions.

Ashley's Recipe: A Tradition in the Making

Ashley's Scottish Shortbread Recipe is a reflection of the rich culinary history of Scotland. The recipe uses only the highest quality ingredients, starting with unsalted butter, flour, and sugar. The butter must be at room temperature, so it's soft and malleable enough to cream with the sugar.

The flour is sifted and added gradually, and the dough is mixed until smooth. The dough is then shaped into a disc, about an inch thick and chilled for at least an hour. Once the dough is firm, it's ready to be baked in a preheated oven until it's a light, golden brown.

The Secret to the Perfect Scottish Shortbread

What makes Ashley's Scottish Shortbread Recipe so special is the attention to detail. The recipe may be simple, but the butter, flour and sugar ratios must be just right. The dough must be mixed thoroughly but not overworked, as this can lead to a less than delicate texture. And the dough must be chilled before baking, ensuring that the shortbread keeps its shape and doesn't spread too much.

Another critical factor in making perfect Scottish shortbread is the baking time. It's always a good idea to check the shortbread after 15 minutes, but it may need an additional 5-10 minutes, depending on your oven. The key is to cook the shortbread until it's firm, but not too brown. A light golden color is ideal, as it gives the shortbread a crisp, buttery mouthfeel.

Serving Suggestions: How to Enjoy Ashley's Scottish Shortbread Recipe

Ashley's Scottish Shortbread Recipe is a versatile treat that can be enjoyed in many ways. It's perfect on its own, with a cup of tea or coffee, or as part of a more elaborate dessert. Scottish shortbread also makes a lovely gift, especially when presented in a festive tin or wrapped in parchment paper and tied with a ribbon.

The shortbread's rich flavor and crisp texture also make it an ideal pairing with a variety of toppings. You may want to experiment with different flavors, such as lavender or orange zest, to add a unique twist to the recipe.

In Conclusion

Ashley's Scottish Shortbread Recipe is more than just a recipe. It's a family tradition that has been passed down through the generations, rooted in the culinary history of Scotland. The recipe's simplicity is what makes it so appealing, highlighting the rich taste and crisp texture of Scottish shortbread.

If you're looking for a treat that is easy to make and always delicious, you can't go wrong with Ashley's Scottish Shortbread Recipe. Enjoy it as a snack or dessert, or share it with friends and family as part of your own culinary traditions.

Scottish shortbread is a classic buttery and crumbly treat that originated in Scotland. It is a simple yet delicious recipe that can be made with just a few ingredients. Ashley’s Scottish shortbread recipe is a well-known and loved recipe that has been passed down through generations. However, making Scottish shortbread can be tricky, and there are some valuable tips that can make the process much easier.

Tip 1: Use high-quality ingredients

One of the most important aspects of making Scottish shortbread is the ingredients. Since this recipe calls for only a few ingredients, it is crucial to make sure that they are of high quality. Use high-quality butter, flour, and sugar. They should be fresh and at room temperature. Do not use multi-purpose flour or self-raising flour as it contains additives such as baking powder or salt, which can affect the texture and flavor of your shortbread. Use plain flour for the best results.

Tip 2: Use the right butter

Butter is an essential ingredient in Scottish shortbread, so it is essential to use the right kind of butter. Unsalted butter is the best choice because it contains less water and more fat than salted butter, making it ideal for shortbread. Salted butter can make the shortbread too salty and can also affect the texture.

Tip 3: Keep the dough cold

One of the most challenging parts of making Scottish shortbread is getting the perfect texture. The dough needs to be crumbly and not too soft. It is essential to keep the dough cold, so it does not soften too much. Once you mix the dough, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out.

Tip 4: Use a pastry cutter

Using a pastry cutter to cut the butter into the flour is essential to make sure the shortbread comes out crumbly and not too dense. The pastry cutter will keep the butter cold and incorporate it into the flour without overworking the dough. If you do not have a pastry cutter, you can use a fork or your hands, but be careful not to overwork the dough.

Tip 5: Use a shortbread mold

Using a shortbread mold is not necessary, but it does make the shortbread look more authentic and traditional. The mold will also help ensure that the shortbread bakes evenly. If you do not have a shortbread mold, you can roll the dough out and use a cookie cutter to create the desired shapes.

Tip 6: Bake at the right temperature

Baking Scottish shortbread at the right temperature is essential for the perfect texture. The oven should be preheated to 325°F (160°C), and the shortbread should be baked for 25-30 minutes until it is a light golden brown. Overbaking the shortbread can make it too dry and hard.

Tip 7: Let the shortbread cool

After baking, do not cut the shortbread immediately. Allow the shortbread to cool for a few minutes before cutting it into pieces. This will prevent the shortbread from crumbling and falling apart. Once the shortbread has cooled, you can store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Conclusion
Scottish shortbread is a delicious treat that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Ashley’s Scottish shortbread recipe is a classic recipe that has been perfected over time. To make the perfect Scottish shortbread, use high-quality ingredients, keep the dough cold, use a pastry cutter, and bake at the right temperature. With these valuable tips, you can make Ashley’s Scottish shortbread recipe like a pro.

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