True Scottish Shortbread
When I was a young kid, one or other of us in turn occasionally used to be allowed to wreak havoc in the kitchen. I used to make the most mess - but the best cakes! This is a recipe I asked for from the elderly Scottish pastry cook who used to live opposite. She even had me bake it one time in HER kitchen - none of my siblings were so privileged - boy was I was smug about that! She used to bring over some of the most amazing goodies! I have searched and baked and bought, but never found a shortbread recipe that was anything like as good as this. Fortunately my mum found a new copy of her much-spattered cookbook and she gave me her old one which had this recipe manually type-written and stuck into it. Nobody, but nobody!, bakes better shortbread than I occasionally treat myself to (I DO share some of it!) when I bake using this recipe!!! Do try this one - it's just the ultimate! Despite the Scots preference for slightly warmed shortbread I strongly urge you to wait until it's fully cold before devouring - not refrigerated cold, but ideally no warmer (or cooler really) than a cool room temperature. The instructions call for some care in the preparation but as I'm passing on the tips as they were given to me when I was between 8 to 10 years old, I'll pass them on to you rather than leave them out. - She felt they were important for best results, and the resulting shortbread proves she knew what she was talking about! The recipe is very simple and robust enough that a child can make it well, but the best results will come from taking extra special care. This recipe doesn't double well either, sadly. Do especially keep that mixture cool and do it by hand not machine – it’s only a few minutes of fussing about after all! Sorry to those without a set of kitchen scales, recipes in Europe are almost entirely written by weight.
When I was a young kid, one or other of us in turn occasionally used to be allowed to wreak havoc in the kitchen. I used to make the most mess - but the best cakes! This is a recipe I asked for from the elderly Scottish pastry cook who used to live opposite. She even had me bake it one time in HER kitchen - none of my siblings were so privileged - boy was I was smug about that! She used to bring over some of the most amazing goodies! I have searched and baked and bought, but never found a shortbread recipe that was anything like as good as this. Fortunately my mum found a new copy of her much-spattered cookbook and she gave me her old one which had this recipe manually type-written and stuck into it. Nobody, but nobody!, bakes better shortbread than I occasionally treat myself to (I DO share some of it!) when I bake using this recipe!!! Do try this one - it's just the ultimate! Despite the Scots preference for slightly warmed shortbread I strongly urge you to wait until it's fully cold before devouring - not refrigerated cold, but ideally no warmer (or cooler really) than a cool room temperature. The instructions call for some care in the preparation but as I'm passing on the tips as they were given to me when I was between 8 to 10 years old, I'll pass them on to you rather than leave them out. - She felt they were important for best results, and the resulting shortbread proves she knew what she was talking about! The recipe is very simple and robust enough that a child can make it well, but the best results will come from taking extra special care. This recipe doesn't double well either, sadly. Do especially keep that mixture cool and do it by hand not machine – it’s only a few minutes of fussing about after all! Sorry to those without a set of kitchen scales, recipes in Europe are almost entirely written by weight.
- Carbohydrate 0.00242995912285714 g
- Cholesterol 8.70735352357143 mg
- Fat 3.28489974091571 g
- Fiber 0 g
- Protein 0.0344244209071429 g
- Saturated Fat 2.08036900371543 g
- Serving Size 1 1 -30 Pieces, 28 serving(s) (13g)
- Sodium 808.163904943571 mg
- Sugar 0.00242995912285714 g
- Trans Fat 0.229955131659715 g
- Calories 29 calories
Step-by-step
- Sift/sieve the flour into a bowl and add the pinch of salt. Put aside for the moment.
- Make some space in the fridge, if necessary, for the bowl you’re about to use in case you quickly need to chill the mixture.
- Using butter, grease the baking tray well and put it aside for the moment.
- Yield for fingers (much preferred) is around a 7 to 8 inch square. For Petticoat Tails it will yield a chunky 8 inch circle.
- Pre-heat the oven (Gas Mark 3 (325F / 165C degrees)).
- Put the butter (if using unsalted butter then ADD a pinch of salt to it) into a medium-size mixing bowl and mash it with a fork until it is soft and creamy without lumps. But don’t let your hand heat warm it so much it starts to get runny. If you do, then put the bowl complete with butter & fork into the fridge for 5 - 10 minutes to cool it, then take it out and mash quickly again until smooth and creamy with no lumps.
- Add the sugar and mix it in well, and quickly.
- Add the salted flour a VERY little at a time - mixing it in with the fork to start with, but do this quickly.
- Knead well (on a very lightly floured surface). I was advised: knead for several minutes, and that the longer you knead, the better the shortbread will be. I usually aim for kneading for anything up to 10 minutes as I was told to, but get fed up after 7 minutes and reckon it can’t make THAT much difference! What is very important is: Don’t allow the mixture to become too warm from your body heat whilst kneading. If it does, as before, put it into the fridge for a couple of minutes to chill it slightly before resuming.
- If you do find the need to chill it, as I often do on a hot day, then do knead it for at least a minute or so before rolling it.
- Something I should add despite the copious over-instruction here: I’ve never owned a rolling pin until a couple of days ago. I don’t know if using one will affect the texture, but I always used to pat it down as best I could with my palms.
- Roll the mixture out to shape and size of the tray. For fingers, roll out to about 1/2 inch thick or perhaps even slightly thicker (this sounds awfully thick I know!, but it is important as if you go thinner it will affect the texture, and amazingly, the taste). For petticoat tails it needs to be a little under 1/2 inch thick to yield a chunky circle of about 7 to 8 inches.
- For fingers: prick all over with a fork and put it into baking tray. Do try to use one that can fit exactly, or one that at least three sides of the mixture fit snugly against, as any outer edges that don’t butt right up against the sides of a tray tend to get a bit over-baked.
- For petticoat tails: using fork prongs, from the outer edge towards the centre, indent the top about a 1/2 inch all the way round to give it a nice crinkly edge - sort of like the teeth on a cogwheel, then prick all the way round the middle ideally rotating the fork or the pastry (or yourself!) to give a pretty effect when cut. Carefully lift and support the decorated circle and place and fit snugly into the circular baking tray. Score lightly (to about halfway downwards to bottom of the tray) into eight equal segments.
- Bake until golden brown for about 45 minutes at Gas Mark 3 (325F / 165C degrees). Do keep an eye on it! Petticoat tails seem to require a little less baking time. Hard to describe the colour to bake until. From experience I know what colour I’m looking for - you don’t really want it to be undercooked, but when it’s starting get a bit dark around the edges it’s probably beginning to get a bit overdone already. Basically cook until it’s just starting to darken round the edges then get it out quick and cool it - I usually place the hot tray on a very cold surface until cool.
- Whilst still quite warm in the tray, mark across and cut into finger-shaped pieces (if not making petticoat tails) - but leave them there in the tray, cut and together until fully cold.
- For petticoat tails it’s customary to sprinkle liberally with castor sugar.
- SERVING SUGGESTION: Just on its own with a nice cup of tea or coffee, but also scrumptious on a plate with and/or dunked into a generous helping of creamy Cornish Dairy ice-cream and strawberries, jam (jelly) or fresh fruit.
My Secret to the Ultimate Scottish Shortbread
As a busy professional, time is my most precious commodity. Weekends are for recharging, not spending hours in the kitchen. Yet, there's something about the simple pleasure of baking that I find utterly relaxing. This particular recipe, for True Scottish Shortbread, has become my weekend ritual – a delightful escape from the pressures of work and a way to treat myself and my loved ones.
It’s a legacy recipe, passed down from an elderly Scottish woman who lived across from our house when I was a child. Her kitchen was a magical place, filled with the intoxicating aromas of freshly baked goods. I was fortunate enough to witness her craft first hand and even assist her once. This shortbread is not just a recipe; it’s a taste of that time, a reminder of simpler days, a small treasure that continues to bring immense joy.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the surprisingly delicious results it delivers. It’s uncomplicated, requiring no fancy equipment or exotic ingredients. The process itself is therapeutic, the gentle kneading a welcome distraction from my day. The end result, however, is far from ordinary. These shortbread cookies have a uniquely delicate melt-in-your-mouth texture, a subtle sweetness, and a perfectly balanced buttery flavour. Unlike other shortbread recipes I've tried, this one consistently delivers on quality, flavor, and a deeply satisfying crunch.
I appreciate that some recipes are overly elaborate, but this one is delightfully straightforward. The steps may seem detailed, but trust me, it’s worth following them closely. The gentle care and precise measurements are integral to achieving that signature texture. This is not a recipe to rush; it’s an invitation to slow down, savor the process, and appreciate the small moments of joy that come from creating something delicious from scratch.
This recipe remains true to its origins, requiring precise measurements and careful attention during the mixing and kneading phases. It's a bit like a meditation, with the cool temperature of the dough ensuring it is never too warm to the touch. The careful attention to cooling between stages helps prevent the dough from being overly soft or sticky, preserving its crumbly texture.
I encourage you to make this shortbread on a day where you can fully embrace the simple act of baking. Allow yourself the time to knead the dough, appreciating the texture changing subtly under your fingertips. Enjoy the process, and embrace the scent of buttery goodness filling your kitchen. I find it quite calming and oddly therapeutic.
While many recipes boast speed and efficiency, this is not one of them. There is a specific technique and process that should be followed for optimal results. From the precise way the ingredients are added to the importance of keeping the mixture cool, every step is designed to achieve perfection. I would not advise altering the instructions, at least not on your first attempt.
The final result, a perfectly baked batch of True Scottish Shortbread, is a reward in itself. The golden-brown hue, the crisp edges, and the irresistible aroma all contribute to a baking experience that is both satisfying and deeply fulfilling. And of course, the taste is an utter delight, prompting eager compliments from family and friends whenever I serve it.
Beyond its exquisite taste, this shortbread also serves as a beautiful reminder of the importance of preserving culinary traditions. It's a tribute to a friendly older lady and a legacy recipe worth carrying on. My small contribution, ensuring her special recipe continues to bring joy and comfort to many.
So, gather your ingredients, clear your schedule, and embark on this delicious baking journey. I hope you’ll find as much joy in making this shortbread as I do, appreciating the culinary traditions and creating lasting memories along the way. Whether you serve it with a steaming cup of tea or a scoop of ice cream, this shortbread is a timeless treat that is sure to become a favourite in your household too.
