If you dream of buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies at Christmastime, then you simply must include Classic Scottish Shortbread for Your Christmas Cookie Tray. This wonderfully simple treat brings together just a handful of pantry staples but delivers a delicate, crumbly texture and flavor that is nothing short of enchanting. With its rich buttery taste, gentle sweetness, and signature fork marks, it’s a tradition in my home every holiday season—and I know it will be in yours, too!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for Classic Scottish Shortbread for Your Christmas Cookie Tray is a real celebration of simplicity. Each item plays an essential role—no fillers, no fuss—helping achieve that classic melt-in-your-mouth crumb and rich, buttery flavor that makes this shortbread so unforgettable.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): The heart of classic shortbread, lending a luxurious, tender crumb—so don’t skimp on quality!
- Powdered sugar (1/2 cup): This gives the cookies a fine, delicate sweetness and helps create a silky dough.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon, optional): A splash adds warmth and subtle depth, but you can skip it for a more traditional version.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): Offers structure while allowing the buttery flavor to shine through.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough to enhance the other flavors—don’t leave it out!
How to Make Classic Scottish Shortbread for Your Christmas Cookie Tray
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Before you start dreaming of that toasty shortbread aroma, get your oven preheating to 325°F (160°C). While it warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this prevents sticking and helps those cookies bake up with perfectly delicate, golden bottoms.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Grab a large mixing bowl and beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until the mix is pale, creamy, and almost fluffy. This step is essential for creating shortbread’s signature tender texture, so don’t rush it—a few extra turns with the mixer or wooden spoon are worth it!
Step 3: Add Vanilla (Optional)
If you like, blend in the vanilla extract now. This isn’t strictly traditional, but it does bring a lovely, aromatic depth. Either way, your Classic Scottish Shortbread for Your Christmas Cookie Tray will be completely irresistible.
Step 4: Incorporate the Flour and Salt
Sprinkle in the flour and salt gradually, mixing gently after each addition. The dough will start to come together in soft clumps—this is what you want! Avoid over-mixing, or the shortbread can end up tough rather than tender and crumbly.
Step 5: Form and Knead the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead just until smooth and cohesive, about 30 seconds max. The warmth from your hands helps bring everything together, but keep it gentle—shortbread loves a light touch.
Step 6: Shape and Cut
Press or roll out the dough to about 1/2-inch thickness. Go classic with fingers or rounds, or break out your favorite festive cookie cutters! Arrange your shapes on the prepared baking sheet, leaving just a bit of space in between.
Step 7: Fork Prick and Chill
For that signature look, use a fork to gently prick the tops of each cookie. Chilling the tray in the fridge for 10–15 minutes before baking is a smart move: it helps the cookies hold their beautiful shape and texture.
Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake for 18–22 minutes until the edges are just starting to turn golden—don’t wait for much color! These cookies are all about their pale, delicate charm.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Let the shortbread cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling. That’s when the magic really happens—the aroma, the texture, and the anticipation! Now your Classic Scottish Shortbread for Your Christmas Cookie Tray is ready to wow.
How to Serve Classic Scottish Shortbread for Your Christmas Cookie Tray
Garnishes
Keep it traditional with just a dusting of powdered sugar, or dip one end of each cookie in melted chocolate and top with crushed candy canes or edible glitter for a festive sparkle. No matter which way you go, this shortbread brings elegance to any holiday platter.
Side Dishes
Pair your Classic Scottish Shortbread for Your Christmas Cookie Tray with a cup of strong black tea, hot cocoa, or mulled wine. These simple cookies also hold their own next to a bowl of fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an after-dinner treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your shortbread fingers or shapes in a pretty tin lined with parchment, layer on a decorative plate, or wrap bundles in cellophane tied with ribbon. They’re perfect for gifting, adding both tradition and warmth to a Christmas cookie exchange or holiday dessert table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, store your Classic Scottish Shortbread for Your Christmas Cookie Tray in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and melt-in-your-mouth perfect for up to one week—a true testament to their staying power amidst the holiday cookie rush!
Freezing
Shortbread cookies freeze beautifully. Layer baked, cooled cookies between sheets of parchment in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to two months; just thaw at room temperature for an hour before serving. Unbaked dough logs can also be wrapped and frozen—simply slice, bake, and enjoy freshly baked shortbread on demand.
Reheating
If you love that fresh-from-the-oven aroma and just-warm bite, a quick 2–3 minutes in a 300°F oven revives any shortbread that’s lost its magic. Be sure to let them cool a minute or two before biting in for the classic, crumbly treat you know and love.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes—with a minor tweak! If you’re using salted butter, simply omit the additional salt in the recipe to keep your Classic Scottish Shortbread for Your Christmas Cookie Tray perfectly balanced.
Why does shortbread need to be chilled before baking?
Chilling helps firm up the dough, so your cookies hold their clean edges and retain their beautiful shape in the oven—a must for that iconic look on your Christmas cookie tray.
Can I add flavors like lemon or almond?
Absolutely! You can add citrus zest, a dash of almond extract, or even a hint of spice like cardamom for a unique twist. Just be careful not to overpower the buttery goodness that defines Classic Scottish Shortbread for Your Christmas Cookie Tray.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
Watch for just the faintest golden color at the edges—shortbread should be mostly pale. Overbaking will give you a dry, crumbly cookie, so check them regularly once you hit the 18-minute mark.
Is it possible to double the recipe?
Definitely! This is a wonderful recipe to scale up for big holiday gatherings or for making multiple tins for gifting. Mix in batches and enjoy sharing Classic Scottish Shortbread for Your Christmas Cookie Tray with plenty of friends and neighbors.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to make Classic Scottish Shortbread for Your Christmas Cookie Tray this holiday season. With its timeless flavor, irresistible texture, and easy method, it’s a cookie that turns simple ingredients into pure holiday magic. Give them a try—you just might find a new tradition to treasure for years to come!
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Classic Scottish Shortbread for Your Christmas Cookie Tray Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the buttery goodness of Classic Scottish Shortbread this holiday season. These simple yet elegant cookies are a perfect addition to your Christmas cookie tray.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar together until smooth and fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract if using.
- Add flour and salt: Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Knead and shape: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface, knead gently until smooth, then press or roll to 1/2-inch thickness and cut into desired shapes.
- Chill and bake: Place cookies on the prepared baking sheet, prick the tops with a fork, chill for 10-15 minutes, then bake for 18-22 minutes until lightly golden.
- Cool and enjoy: Cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For a festive touch, dip cookies in melted chocolate and sprinkle with crushed candy canes or edible glitter.
- Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Scottish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 40 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
