Traditional Shortbread Recipe

Indulge in the irresistible buttery goodness of our family's favorite Traditional Shortbread recipe! These melt-in-your-mouth cookies are a Christmas classic, always vanishing first from the cookie platter. Perfect for holiday gatherings or any time you crave a simple yet elegant treat. This recipe also includes instructions for making delightful petticoat tails!

Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 60 mins
Calories 165.2 kcal
Protein 3g
Rating 3.6 (7 Reviews)
Traditional Shortbread 19

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Traditional Shortbread

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How to Make Traditional Shortbread

  1. Preheat oven to 160°C (320°F).
  2. Whisk together 225g (2 cups) all-purpose flour and 100g (½ cup) caster sugar in a large bowl.
  3. Cut in 115g (1 cup) cold unsalted butter, using a pastry blender or your fingertips, until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  4. Gently knead the dough until it forms a smooth ball. Avoid overmixing.
  5. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of ¾ inch (2cm).
  6. Cut into desired shapes (rectangles for shortbread, 7-inch rounds for petticoat tails).
  7. For shortbread rectangles: Decorate the top with a fork, creating rows of holes.
  8. For petticoat tails: Mark the top into 8 portions and decorate with a fork.
  9. Transfer the cookies to a greased baking sheet.
  10. If baking in warm weather, chill the cookies in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before baking.
  11. Bake shortbread rectangles for 20-25 minutes, or until pale golden. Bake petticoat tails for 30 minutes, or until lightly golden.
  12. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  13. **For shortbread mold (optional):** Mix 1 tsp all-purpose flour and 1 tsp caster sugar. Grease the mold with oil and evenly sprinkle half the flour/sugar mix into the mold. Press the shortbread into the mold and turn out onto a baking sheet before baking.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

3 g

Sugar

22g

Fat

29g

Carbs

6g

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