There’s something undeniably comforting about a piece of shortbread. The golden, buttery biscuit, with its crumbly texture and subtle sweetness, is a delight in every bite. Whether you’re a baking novice or a seasoned pro, there’s a world of shortbread recipes waiting to be explored. So, let’s dive in and uncover the top 5 shortbread recipes you need to try!
The Beauty of Shortbread
Shortbread, a classic British treat, is a testament to the beauty of simplicity. It’s traditionally made with just three ingredients: butter, sugar, and flour. Despite its simplicity, it delivers a beautifully rich, buttery flavour, complemented by a crumbly and melt-in-the-mouth texture.
The Top 5 Shortbread Recipes to Try
These five shortbread recipes, each distinct in their own right, are sure to please your palate and hone your baking skills. Let’s embark on this culinary adventure!
The Classic Approach: Ted Lasso’s Shortbread Recipe
Ted Lasso’s shortbread recipe, straight from the Apple TV+ show, is a classic take on the traditional treat. With only four ingredients – unsalted butter, powdered sugar, all-purpose flour, and a pinch of kosher salt – this recipe delivers a delicately fine, sandy texture that dissolves blissfully in your mouth.
Method
Start by creaming the room-temperature butter with the vanilla extract in a stand mixer. Gradually add the powdered sugar and salt while continuing to mix. Add the flour and mix until combined. Shape the dough into a rectangular prism, wrap it in cling film, and chill until firm. Preheat your oven to 350 F (177C), cut the dough into half-inch thick slices, and place them on a lined baking sheet. Indent a pattern on top with a fork or skewer, then bake for about 10 minutes.
The Canadian Twist: Seasons and Suppers’ Scottish Shortbread
Seasons and Suppers’ Scottish shortbread is a Canadian twist on the traditional Scottish recipe. It includes high-quality butter and white rice flour for a lighter, crisper texture. This recipe shines in its ability to deliver a singularly crisp yet light texture that’s hard to achieve without organic brown rice flour.
Method
Start by creaming the butter and sugar until fluffy. Stir in the rice flour and all-purpose flour until a soft dough forms. Press the dough into a baking tin, prick all over with a fork, and chill for about 15 minutes. Bake at 300F (150C) for about 45-55 minutes or until golden brown.
The Sweet and Simple: Taste of Home’s Shortbread
Taste of Home’s shortbread recipe is refreshingly simple and uniquely sweet. With only three ingredients – butter, all-purpose flour, and brown sugar – this recipe delivers a deliciously tender bite with a soft chew.
Method
Cream the butter until it’s light and fluffy, then gradually add the sugar. Stir in the flour until a soft dough forms. Roll out the dough, cut into desired shapes, and place on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake at 325 F (163C) for 20-22 minutes or until lightly browned.
The Crispy and Crumbly: New York Times’ Shortbread
The New York Times’ shortbread recipe offers a wonderfully crisp and crumbly texture. The unique combination of flour and rice flour ensures a crisp, crumbly, dry, yet delicious texture.
Method
Melt the butter and stir it into a mixture of flour, rice flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Press it into a pan and chill until firm. Preheat your oven to 350 F (177C), cut the dough into half-inch thick slices, place them onto a lined baking sheet, and create a pattern on top. Bake for about 10 minutes.
The Decadently Dense: America’s Test Kitchen’s Shortbread
America’s Test Kitchen’s shortbread recipe delivers a dense, hearty shortbread that’s slightly pasty-centred. This recipe stands out for its use of ground oats and cornstarch to reduce gluten and create a tender texture.
Method
Beat the butter until creamy. Add the confectioners’ sugar and salt, mix until combined, then add the flour. Shape the dough into a rectangular prism, wrap it in plastic, and chill until firm. Bake at 350F (177C) for about 10 minutes.
Pro Tips for Making Shortbread Cookies
- The cookie dough can be made well in advance. It keeps for about a week in the fridge and a month in the freezer.
- If your butter isn’t at room temperature, cut the sticks into a few slices and microwave on 50% power in 5-second bursts.
- For extra crunch and flavour, add your favourite toasted nuts and spices.
- Experiment with different patterns on your shortbread using a fork or skewer. This is a great task for little ones, too!
The Bottom Line
There’s a shortbread recipe out there for everyone, whether you’re a fan of the classic, the crispy, or the tender. The five recipes listed above are sure to satisfy your shortbread cravings, enhance your baking skills, and impress your loved ones. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and immerse yourself in the delightful world of shortbread baking!