Real Scottish Shortbread

Indulge in the buttery, crumbly perfection of Real Scottish Shortbread, a traditional treat that’s as simple as it is irresistible. Made with just four basic ingredients—unsalted butter, caster sugar, all-purpose flour, and a hint of salt—this authentic recipe delivers soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich flavor that epitomizes classic Scottish baking. The dough is gently kneaded to achieve its signature tenderness, then pressed into an 8-inch square pan and scored into neat portions, ensuring every piece is evenly baked to golden perfection. A light sprinkling of granulated sugar adds a delightful crunch to the top, making each bite satisfyingly sweet. Perfect for sharing or savoring with a warm cup of tea, this recipe for homemade Scottish shortbread is a timeless favorite that requires just 15 minutes of prep time and a short bake—ideal for both novices and seasoned bakers alike. Keywords: Real Scottish Shortbread, traditional shortbread recipe, homemade shortbread cookies, Scottish baking.

Nutriscore Rating: 46/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 227 grams Unsalted butter
• 100 grams Caster sugar
• 300 grams All-purpose flour
• 1 pinch Salt
• 15 grams Granulated sugar (for sprinkling)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F) or 140°C (284°F) if using a fan oven.

Step 2

Prepare an 8-inch square baking tin by lightly greasing it with butter or lining it with parchment paper.

Step 3

In a large mixing bowl, cream the unsalted butter and caster sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy.

Step 4

Sift the all-purpose flour into the bowl and add a pinch of salt. Mix until the dough begins to come together and looks crumbly.

Step 5

Using your hands, gently knead the dough just until it forms a smooth, cohesive ball. Be careful not to overwork it.

Step 6

Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking tin, smoothing the surface with the back of a spoon or your fingers.

Step 7

Using a knife, score the dough into 12 rectangular or square portions, but do not cut all the way through. This will make it easier to break into pieces after baking.

Step 8

Prick the surface of the dough all over with a fork to create the classic shortbread pattern and ensure even baking.

Step 9

Sprinkle granulated sugar evenly over the top for a crunchy, sweet finish.

Step 10

Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the shortbread is lightly golden but not browned.

Step 11

Remove from the oven and allow it to cool in the tin for 10 minutes. While still warm, cut along the scored lines to separate the pieces.

Step 12

Let the shortbread cool completely in the tin before transferring it to an airtight container or serving plate.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	642.4 grams (642.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3193

Total Fat 197.50g	253%
Saturated Fat 114.00g	570%
Polyunsaturated Fat NaNg
Cholesterol 503mg	168%
Sodium 177mg	8%
Total Carbohydrate 343.90g	125%
Dietary Fiber 8.20g	29%
Total Sugars 115.60g
Protein 32.60g	65%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 90mg	7%
Iron 14mg	78%
Potassium 372mg	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: 54.1%

Protein: 4.0%

Carbs: 41.9%