Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup confectioners’ sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
- 2 teaspoons pure almond extract
- 2/3 cup sliced almonds
Special Equipment Needed:
- Stand mixer
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the flour, confectioners’ sugar, and salt.
3. Add the butter cubes and almond extract and mix on low speed until the mixture resembles coarse meal.
4. Add the almonds and mix until the dough comes together.
5. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll out to ¼-inch thickness.
6. Cut out desired shapes with a cookie cutter and place on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
8. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Time:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Temperature: 350°F
Serving Size: Makes about 2 dozen cookies
Nutritional Information:
Calories: 160
Fat: 11g
Carbohydrates: 13g
Protein: 2g
Substitutions for Ingredients:
- For the butter, you can use vegan butter or coconut oil.
- For the almond extract, you can use vanilla extract.
- For the almonds, you can use chopped walnuts or pecans.
Variations:
- For a chocolate version, add ½ cup of cocoa powder to the dough.
- For a lemon version, add 2 teaspoons of lemon zest to the dough.
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure the butter is cold when adding it to the dough.
- Roll out the dough between two sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Storage Instructions:
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Reheating Instructions:
The cookies can be reheated in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes.
Presentation Ideas:
- Place the cookies on a platter and sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar.
- Place the cookies in a decorative tin or box.
Garnishes:
- Sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar
- Drizzle with melted chocolate
Pairings:
- Serve with a cup of tea or coffee
- Serve with a scoop of ice cream
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Fresh fruit
- Yogurt
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the dough is too dry, add a tablespoon of cold water at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
- If the cookies are too soft, bake for a few minutes longer.
Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure all ingredients are fresh and not expired.
- Wash hands before handling food.
Food History:
Shortbread cookies have been around since the 12th century and were originally made with just three ingredients: flour, sugar, and butter.
Flavor Profiles:
The cookies are buttery and sweet with a hint of almond.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as an after-dinner treat
- Serve as a snack with coffee or tea
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Region: Scottish