Shortbread Biscuits

by
Plate of freshly baked shortbread biscuits on a rustic table

Nestled within the realm of baked delights lies a delicate treasure — the Shortbread Biscuit. Each crisp edge crumbles gently, revealing a rich, buttery heart that melts away in blissful simplicity. As warm scents swirl through your kitchen, these quaint morsels beckon with whispers of nostalgia and grace.

Why make this recipe
For those who seek solace in the act of baking, Shortbread Biscuits offer an enchanting experience. With only a handful of humble ingredients, you are invited to create a treat that embodies elegance itself. The gentle marriage of butter and sugar, harmonized with soft flour, crafts a biscuit that transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary, perfect with a cup of tea or as a stand-alone indulgence.

How to make Shortbread Biscuits

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (65g) granulated sugar
  • 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to a warm embrace of 350°F (175°C), and lovingly line a baking sheet with parchment paper, a blank canvas awaiting your creation.
  2. In a mixing bowl, commence the alchemy of baking by creaming the butter and sugar together until they reach a state of lightness and fluffiness, a texture reminiscent of sweet clouds.
  3. Gradually introduce the flour, allowing it to envelop the mixture until a smooth dough emerges, a testament to the harmony of its components.
  4. On a generously floured surface, roll out your dough with care, aiming for a thickness of about 1/4 inch, before using cookie cutters to shape your biscuits into delightful forms.
  5. Transfer each piece to the prepared baking sheet and let them bask in the oven’s warmth for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges turn a gentle golden brown, hinting at the sweet symphony soon to unfold.
  6. Allow them to rest on the sheet for 5 minutes, soaking in the aromas, before gently moving them to a wire rack to cool completely, where they will develop a graceful crunch.

How to serve Shortbread Biscuits
Serve these delightful biscuits on a platter adorned with fresh berries or just as they are, with a dusting of powdered sugar to accentuate their charm. They pair beautifully with your favorite tea, a gentle accompaniment to the delicate nature of the biscuits themselves.

How to store Shortbread Biscuits
Preserve the purity of your Shortbread Biscuits by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will remain a sweet companion for up to a week, their flavors evolving ever so slightly with each passing day.

Tips to make Shortbread Biscuits

  • Ensure your butter is at room temperature, for this is essential to achieving the perfect creaming consistency.
  • For an added layer of depth, consider incorporating a few drops of vanilla extract or even a hint of almond extract into your dough.
  • If you wish for a touch of elegance, sprinkle coarse salt on top before baking — a delightful contrast to the sweet.

Variations
To invite whimsy, consider rolling your dough with chopped nuts or chocolate chips nestled within. A dusting of citrus zest can also impart a refreshing vibrance, transforming the familiar into the extraordinary.

FAQs

  1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
    Yes, though the balance of flavors may shift slightly, creating a unique twist on the classic recipe.

  2. Can I freeze the dough for later use?
    Absolutely! Roll your dough into a log, wrap it tightly in cling film, and it will keep beautifully in the freezer for up to three months. Just slice off portions and bake as needed.

  3. What can I do if my dough is too crumbly?
    If your dough is uncooperative, a teaspoon of cold water or an extra bit of butter can work wonders, bringing it together with ease.

In these moments spent crafting Shortbread Biscuits, we embrace the beauty of simplicity and patience, a testament to the art of baking. Each creation is a small piece of ourselves — tender, fleeting, and yet, profoundly lovely.

Shortbread Biscuits

Delicate and buttery Shortbread Biscuits that melt in your mouth, perfect for tea time or as a standalone treat.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 12 biscuits
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Baked Goods
Calories: 150
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature Ensure butter is at room temperature for easy mixing.
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar Provides sweetness to the biscuits.
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour The base of the biscuit dough.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
  3. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
  4. On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness and cut into shapes.
Baking
  1. Transfer the shaped biscuits to the prepared baking sheet and bake for 18-20 minutes, until edges are golden brown.
  2. Let the biscuits rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Consider adding vanilla or almond extract for additional flavor.