Classic Scottish Shortbread for Your Christmas Cookie Tray Recipe
If you’re looking to add a little traditional charm to your holiday festivities, the Classic Scottish Shortbread for Your Christmas Cookie Tray Recipe is an absolute must-try. With its buttery richness, delicate crumbly texture, and just a touch of sweetness, this shortbread instantly transports you to cozy winter evenings by the fire. It’s one of those timeless treats that never goes out of style and perfectly complements any collection of festive cookies you plan to serve. Trust me, once you bake these golden delights, they’ll become a beloved staple on your holiday dessert table year after year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the wonderful things about this recipe is how simple and straightforward the ingredients list is. Each pantry staple plays a vital role in bringing that authentic, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread experience to life, from the creamy butter that imparts richness to the flour that makes it tender yet sturdy.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: The star of the show, providing that luxurious, buttery flavor and tender texture essential for perfect shortbread.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for sprinkling): Adds just the right amount of sweetness and gives a subtle crunch when sprinkled on top.
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of the dough, lending structure without overpowering the delicate crumb.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.
How to Make Classic Scottish Shortbread for Your Christmas Cookie Tray Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). While waiting, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to ensure your shortbread won’t stick and bakes evenly with a nice golden hue.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer. Do this for about 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and creamy. This step is crucial because it helps incorporate air, ensuring your shortbread has that beautifully tender texture.
Step 3: Mix in Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to your butter-sugar mixture. Mix gently until the dough just comes together, forming a soft and cohesive ball. Be careful not to overmix; you want to maintain that tender crumb without developing too much gluten.
Step 4: Shape the Dough
Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the dough to about 1/2-inch thickness. You can get creative here—use cookie cutters to make festive shapes, or stick to classic rectangles or wedges, which is traditional for Scottish shortbread.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
After shaping, transfer your cookies to the prepared baking sheet and pop them in the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes. This chilling step helps the dough firm up, which prevents spreading during baking and keeps the edges nice and crisp.
Step 6: Bake
Place your chilled cookies in the oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes. Keep a close eye on them—once the edges start to turn a light golden color, they’re ready! Avoid baking longer to preserve that coveted tender yet crunchy shortbread texture.
Step 7: Sprinkle with Sugar
While the shortbread is still warm from the oven, sprinkle some extra granulated sugar on top. This not only adds an inviting sparkle but also a delicate sweetness and slight crunch that takes the cookie from delightful to absolutely irresistible.
Step 8: Cool and Store
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, store your classic shortbread in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to two weeks—perfect for making ahead of all those holiday gatherings.
How to Serve Classic Scottish Shortbread for Your Christmas Cookie Tray Recipe
Garnishes
While this shortbread shines brilliantly on its own, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate adds a festive flair. You can also sprinkle finely chopped nuts like pistachios or almonds on top for extra texture and a splash of color that will impress anyone eyeing your Christmas cookie tray.
Side Dishes
The buttery, crumbly nature of this shortbread pairs beautifully with a cozy cup of tea or rich hot chocolate. For a more decadent treat, serve alongside whipped cream or a dollop of lemon curd to introduce a refreshing tang that cuts through the richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation can elevate even the simplest classic recipes. Arrange your Classic Scottish Shortbread for Your Christmas Cookie Tray Recipe on a charming wooden board, intersperse with fresh rosemary sprigs or holly berries for a natural festive touch, or stack them in clear glass jars tied with ribbon – instant irresistible hostess gifts!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your homemade classic shortbread will keep beautifully for up to two weeks when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. This makes it easy to bake well before the rush of holiday parties without sacrificing freshness or flavor.
Freezing
If you want to prepare even further ahead, these cookies freeze wonderfully. Just pop them into a freezer-safe container or bag, separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking, and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready, simply thaw at room temperature.
Reheating
You don’t need to reheat shortbread before serving, but if you prefer a little warmth, a few seconds in a warm oven or microwave will freshen them right up and bring back that just-baked aroma effortlessly.
FAQs
Can I substitute salted butter for unsalted butter in this recipe?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but be sure to reduce or omit the additional salt to avoid an overly salty cookie. Unsalted butter gives better control over seasoning, which is why it’s preferred here.
What makes Scottish shortbread different from other types of shortbread?
Scottish shortbread is traditionally made with just three simple ingredients—butter, sugar, and flour—without any leavening agents. It has a crumbly, tender texture that’s rich in butter flavor and less sweet than many other cookies.
Can I use a different type of sugar?
Granulated sugar works best because it provides just enough sweetness and a bit of crunch when sprinkled on top. You can experiment with caster sugar for a finer texture, but avoid brown sugar as it will change the flavor and texture significantly.
How thick should I roll out the dough?
Rolling the dough to about 1/2 inch thickness is ideal. This thickness ensures sturdy cookies that also have that delicate crumbly texture characteristic of classic shortbread.
Is it necessary to chill the dough before baking?
Yes, chilling helps the dough firm up, which prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. It also helps maintain the crisp edges and overall shape, providing that perfect shortbread bite.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about making and sharing the Classic Scottish Shortbread for Your Christmas Cookie Tray Recipe with your loved ones. Its simple elegance and timeless flavor make it a standout treat that’s sure to be met with smiles and second helpings. So, why not bring a bit of Scotland into your holiday celebrations this year and bake up a batch? I promise, it will fill your kitchen with warmth and your heart with festive joy.
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Classic Scottish Shortbread for Your Christmas Cookie Tray Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Discover the rich, buttery delight of Classic Scottish Shortbread, a perfect addition to your Christmas cookie tray. This traditional recipe yields tender, crumbly cookies delicately sweetened and lightly golden baked to perfection. Ideal for holiday gifting and sharing, these shortbreads bring a nostalgic touch to festive celebrations.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for sprinkling)
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer for 2-3 minutes, until the mixture is light and creamy, ensuring even mixing.
- Mix in Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the butter mixture, stirring until a soft, cohesive dough ball forms without overworking the dough.
- Shape the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to a 1/2-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters or cut into traditional shapes such as rectangles or wedges.
- Chill the Dough: Transfer the shaped cookies onto the prepared baking sheet and chill them in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes. This helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes or until the edges just start to turn a light golden color. Take care not to overbake to ensure a tender texture.
- Sprinkle with Sugar: Immediately after removing from the oven, sprinkle granulated sugar over the warm cookies to add a festive sparkle and slight sweetness.
- Cool and Store: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks to maintain freshness.
Notes
- The dough can be refrigerated for up to 2 days before rolling and cutting if you want to prepare in advance.
- Ensure butter is softened but not melted for best creaming results.
- Using superfine sugar for sprinkling can provide a more delicate finish.
- For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture.
- Shortbread pairs wonderfully with tea or coffee and makes an excellent homemade gift.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Scottish
