Scottish Shortbread Cookies
Scottish shortbread cookies are among my favorite treats. They are buttery, melt in your mouth bites of goodness! I have been making these cookies for over 40 years and they are a treat that my neighbors have come to expect at Christmastime. They are very simple to make and I bake between 12-30 large cookies each year.
You only need a few ingredients that you probably have in your pantry: flour, real butter, powdered sugar and a pinch of salt. Sometimes I add some good vanilla but that is not required.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik5dxRR7MJFVbuC45XYg0sDMB8T-lWOKUJis-uHmk7U2pHiSKMoxg0kN6RIZh_zGsu51Tcea2FtPBP2_4hgjmScQOVrRcKJwztLbbzeIOmq7uT-d4ZBaTQwXhBBVmFvJ3TySfRLelR59YE8M8Dm52cMw34uodAEAGM9ubQ_j5Wukt4wqliqkQizESxsA/w640-h588/IMG_4869.JPG)
Cream the room temperature butter with the sugar then add in flour and salt. It will make a crumbly dough. If it's TOO crumbly add a teaspoon of vanilla or water. Mix until a dough ball forms.
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Divide dough in half and gently pat into two metal pie pans. I find that metal pie pans work best for this - sometimes it's hard to release from a glass pan.
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Score into 8 wedges with a bench scraper or knife, then dock with fork tines. You can also use the fork to make a decorative edge. If you have cookie stamps now is the time to pull them out and use them! I like to sprinkle with sanding sugar but regular sugar works too.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2U_efsS4eH2xE72oz40MObncRXsS7w-Q_6S1rU9VJHa8Et91oJ96CDb2wwJ2Dje_oFOemGU6bZqxUVUXShENnAz1QiCZMC8Tzbj2cpQJZhMhNsh3NOFLPyIypl1BxL4HBkstGyAAYLO4lf3ac9JSuSwzG313Ej8mNFuWtzeEAtuN9ELtmBlSSquYsRQ/w640-h434/IMG_4873.JPG)
Bake at 325 for about 25 minutes. It should barely be golden, not browned. After the large cookie has cooled tip the pie pan over to release and place on a pretty plate or tray.
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I bought some cardboard cake rounds last year to make gift giving easy.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWhA-NT14GEub3OskdMzNrjalEfZ01AYVfvXqCr5Yhy-8JQfeLFcM3ify7MEFSVRS5c-AYS7ztVOSO-ChcdyVzaiZaO3l1Eb6WysA0IZz_lxDWK9JoRDHHsHpvrXU1y3onZbmpL7rvVqJy4FDjjeOMsi2VtHgeUp_sSQQHdHf5XufaQXyHAsvPp3kzDw/w640-h508/IMG_4870.JPG)
I then wrap it up in cellophane with a pretty bow and add a tag.
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I've also added an ornament to the package.
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These make wonderful neighbor gifts during the holidays - or any time of year!
Scottish Shortbread
1 cup butter at room temperature
1/2 cup confectioners sugar
2 cups flour
pinch of salt
sugar for sprinkling
Cream butter and confectioners sugar. Add flour and salt and mix until dough ball forms. Divide in half and pat into 2 pie pans. Score into 8 wedges. Bake at 325 for 25-30 minutes. Makes 8 generous cookies. Enjoy!