Glasgow Shortbread

Experience the timeless charm of classic Glasgow Shortbread with this simple yet indulgent recipe that delivers buttery, melt-in-your-mouth perfection. Made with just five pantry staples—unsalted butter, caster sugar, all-purpose flour, cornstarch (or rice flour), and a pinch of salt—this traditional Scottish biscuit achieves its signature crumbly texture and rich flavor with minimal effort. Finished with a sprinkle of granulated sugar for a touch of sweetness and crunch, it bakes to a pale golden hue in just 40 minutes, making it the ideal treat for afternoon tea or festive gatherings. Whether shaped into fingers, rounds, or squares, this authentic recipe ensures a delightful bite every time. Perfect for sharing, storing, or keeping all to yourself, Glasgow Shortbread is a must-try for lovers of classic baked goods!

Nutriscore Rating: 45/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 250 grams Unsalted butter
• 100 grams Caster sugar
• 300 grams All-purpose flour
• 50 grams Cornstarch (or rice flour)
• 1 pinch Salt
• 2 tablespoons Granulated sugar

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F). Line a baking sheet or a 9x9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and caster sugar together until light and fluffy using a wooden spoon or hand mixer.

Step 3

Sift the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt into the butter mixture. Mix gently until combined and a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 4

If using a baking sheet: Lightly flour your surface and roll the dough out to a thickness of about 1-1.5 cm. Use a round or rectangular cookie cutter to shape the shortbread. Alternatively, you can shape the dough into a rectangle and cut into traditional fingers.

Step 5

If using a square pan: Press the dough evenly into the pan, ensuring the surface is smooth and level.

Step 6

Prick the surface of the dough with a fork to create a decorative pattern and to allow even baking.

Step 7

Sprinkle the granulated sugar evenly over the top for a lovely crunch and sparkle after baking.

Step 8

Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until the shortbread is a pale golden color and firm to the touch. Do not let it brown too much.

Step 9

Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes on the tray or in the pan. If baked in a pan, carefully cut the shortbread into fingers or squares while still warm.

Step 10

Transfer the shortbread to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing. Enjoy with tea, coffee, or on its own!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	725.4 grams (725.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3586

Total Fat 217.30g	279%
Saturated Fat 125.50g	628%
Polyunsaturated Fat NaNg
Cholesterol 554mg	185%
Sodium 185mg	8%
Total Carbohydrate 399.40g	145%
Dietary Fiber 8.60g	31%
Total Sugars 125.60g
Protein 32.90g	66%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 96mg	7%
Iron 14mg	79%
Potassium 379mg	8%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 53.1%

Protein: 3.6%

Carbs: 43.4%