Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Special Equipment Needed:
- Baking sheet
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, butter, sugar, and salt.
3. Using a pastry blender or your hands, mix the ingredients until a dough forms.
4. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to ¼-inch thickness.
5. Cut out shapes with cookie cutters and place on a baking sheet.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden.
7. Allow to cool before serving.
Time:
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Temperature: 350°F
Serving Size: Makes 24 cookies
Nutritional Information:
Calories: 120
Fat: 7g
Carbohydrates: 13g
Protein: 1g
Substitutions for Ingredients
- Coconut oil can be used in place of butter.
- Brown sugar can be used in place of granulated sugar.
Variations:
- Add ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dough for a hint of flavor.
- Add 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon for a cinnamon-flavored shortbread cookie.
- Add 1/3 cup of chopped nuts for a crunchy texture.
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure the butter is softened before mixing with the other ingredients.
- For a softer cookie, bake for a few minutes less.
- For a crunchier cookie, bake for a few minutes longer.
Storage Instructions:
Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Reheating Instructions:
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5 minutes.
Presentation Ideas:
- Serve on a platter with other cookies.
- Place in a decorative tin or box.
- Stack on a plate with a dollop of whipped cream.
Garnishes:
- Sprinkle with powdered sugar.
- Drizzle with melted chocolate.
- Top with a sprinkle of sea salt.
Pairings:
- Coffee
- Tea
- Hot chocolate
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Fruit salad
- Yogurt
- Ice cream
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
- If the cookies are too soft, bake for a few minutes longer.
Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure all ingredients are fresh and not expired.
- Store in an airtight container to prevent spoilage.
Food History:
Shortbread cookies have been around since the 16th century, when they were served at the end of a meal as a sweet treat.
Flavor Profiles:
Shortbread cookies have a buttery, sweet flavor with a hint of salt.
Serving Suggestions:
Shortbread cookies can be served as an after-dinner treat, as an accompaniment to coffee or tea, or as a snack.
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Region: Scottish