If you’re on the hunt for that perfectly buttery, crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth treat to elevate your holiday spread, you’ve got to try this Classic Scottish Shortbread for Your Christmas Cookie Tray Recipe. This timeless cookie is a beloved favorite that combines just a few simple ingredients into a delightfully rich and tender biscuit, perfect for festive gatherings or cozy afternoons by the fire. With its golden edges, subtle sweetness, and that unmistakable buttery flavor, this shortbread isn’t just a cookie; it’s a celebration of tradition you can share with everyone you love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Crafting this Classic Scottish Shortbread for Your Christmas Cookie Tray Recipe is wonderfully straightforward, thanks to a handful of basic ingredients that each play a crucial role. Every component works harmoniously to create that iconic texture and flavor that make shortbread so irresistible.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: The heart of the shortbread, butter adds rich flavor and ensures that characteristic tender, crumbly texture.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for sprinkling): A touch of sweetness balances the butter and adds a delightful crunch when sprinkled on top.
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The structure of your shortbread, this gives shape while keeping it light and flaky.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors and bring out a perfect balance.
How to Make Classic Scottish Shortbread for Your Christmas Cookie Tray Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). This moderate temperature is key to baking the shortbread slowly and evenly, allowing it to develop a golden edge without browning too quickly. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to ensure your cookies won’t stick and bake beautifully.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer until the mixture becomes light and creamy—about 2 to 3 minutes. This aeration step is essential; it creates a lightness that helps your shortbread achieve that dreamy melt-in-your-mouth feel.
Step 3: Mix in Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the creamy butter mixture, mixing gently until the dough just comes together into a soft, cohesive ball. Resist overmixing here to keep your shortbread tender rather than tough.
Step 4: Shape the Dough
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out to about 1/2-inch thickness. You can keep things traditional by cutting the dough into rectangles or wedges, or have some fun using festive cookie cutters to suit your Christmas cookie tray. This shaping step is where your shortbread starts to come alive visually!
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Transfer the shaped cookies to your prepared baking sheet and refrigerate for 15 to 20 minutes. This chilling step firms up the dough, helping the cookies keep their shape better during baking and resulting in a delightfully crisp texture.
Step 6: Bake
Bake in your preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes until the edges turn a lovely light golden hue. Keep a close eye to avoid overbaking—it’s better to reach a tender shortbread than something too hard or dry.
Step 7: Sprinkle with Sugar
Right after the cookies come out of the oven and are still warm, sprinkle them generously with extra granulated sugar. This adds a festive sparkle and a tiny bit of crunch that pairs perfectly with the buttery cookie.
Step 8: Cool and Store
Let your shortbread cool for about 5 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, store your Classic Scottish Shortbread for Your Christmas Cookie Tray Recipe in an airtight container, where it will stay fresh and delicious for up to two weeks.
How to Serve Classic Scottish Shortbread for Your Christmas Cookie Tray Recipe
Garnishes
While the shortbread itself is pure perfection, a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of white chocolate can add an extra festive touch. Consider a dusting of crushed peppermint candy for a holiday twist that’s as colorful as it is flavorful.
Side Dishes
Serve these shortbread cookies alongside a warm cup of tea, hot cocoa, or a robust coffee to complement their buttery richness. They also pair amazingly well with a side of tangy preserves, fresh berries, or a simple dollop of whipped cream for a luxurious treat.
Creative Ways to Present
For your Christmas cookie tray, arrange the Classic Scottish Shortbread for Your Christmas Cookie Tray Recipe in neat stacks tied with festive ribbons for gifts, or create a beautiful platter with a mix of shapes, colors, and garnishes. You can also layer them with parchment paper in decorative tins to share with family and friends.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They keep their classic crumbly texture and flavor perfectly for up to two weeks, making them an ideal make-ahead treat for holiday events.
Freezing
Shortbread freezes beautifully. To freeze, place baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will stay fresh for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
If your shortbread loses a bit of its fresh-baked charm, a quick warm-up in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes will revive that just-baked softness and enhance the buttery aroma.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter for this recipe?
While you can use salted butter, it’s best to use unsalted to control the amount of salt in your shortbread. Using unsalted butter allows you to add just the right pinch of salt for balance.
How do I avoid crumbly shortbread that falls apart?
Make sure to gently mix your dough and avoid overworking it. Chilling the dough before baking also helps the cookies hold their shape and not crumble excessively.
Can I add flavors like vanilla or lemon zest?
Yes! While traditional shortbread shines in its simplicity, a little vanilla extract or lemon zest can add a subtle twist without overpowering the classic buttery flavor.
What’s the best way to cut the dough?
Use a sharp knife or cookie cutters on a floured surface to get clean edges. For classic shapes, rectangles and wedges work wonderfully and bake evenly.
How long do shortbread cookies last?
When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay fresh for up to two weeks, perfect for enjoying throughout the holiday season.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about sharing Classic Scottish Shortbread for Your Christmas Cookie Tray Recipe during the holidays. Its buttery simplicity and tender crumb make it a crowd-pleaser every time. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and enjoy the warmth and nostalgia it brings to your festivities, making your Christmas cookie tray a standout delight for years to come.
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Classic Scottish Shortbread for Your Christmas Cookie Tray Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
Description
Classic Scottish Shortbread is a traditional buttery cookie perfect for your Christmas cookie tray. With its tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture and subtle sweetness, this easy-to-make recipe uses simple ingredients and baking techniques to create a festive treat that pairs wonderfully with tea or coffee.
Ingredients
Shortbread Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for sprinkling)
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer until the mixture is light, fluffy, and creamy, about 2 to 3 minutes. This step incorporates air for a tender texture.
- Mix in Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the creamed mixture. Mix gently until the dough starts coming together into a soft, cohesive ball without overworking it to maintain crumbly texture.
- Shape the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/2-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters or a knife to cut the dough into classic shortbread shapes such as rectangles or wedges.
- Chill the Dough: Transfer the shaped cookies to the prepared baking sheet and refrigerate for 15 to 20 minutes to firm up. Chilling helps maintain their shape during baking.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden color. Be careful not to overbake to keep the cookies tender.
- Sprinkle with Sugar: As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, sprinkle a little granulated sugar over the tops for an attractive and festive finish.
- Cool and Store: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Store the shortbread in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks to preserve freshness.
Notes
- Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness in the shortbread.
- Chilling the dough before baking helps maintain cookie shape and texture.
- Do not overbake; shortbread should be pale with just golden edges for the best tender texture.
- Store in an airtight container to keep cookies fresh and crisp.
- For a decorative touch, prick holes in the dough with a fork before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert/Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Scottish
