Shortbread recipe
Bake these classic shortbread cookies to wow the crowd. With just four ingredients, this recipe is quick and easy. The buttery texture and delicate flavor of these cookies are sure to impress you. For a refreshing touch, you can add a touch of lemon or orange peel to the dough. If you’re feeling adventurous, experiment with adding chopped pistachios for a delicious crunch. These homemade shortbread cookies are perfect for any occasion and will leave you wanting more. Enjoy!
Ingredients
- 300 g butter, soft
- 140g golden powdered sugar, plus 4 tbsp
- 300g plain flour
- 140g rice flour
Preparation steps
- Put the butter and 140 g sugar in a food processor and mix until smooth.
- Add both types of flour and a pinch of salt and mix everything until a homogeneous mass is formed.
- Using your hands, spread the mixture roughly onto a 20 x 30 x 4 cm baking tray.
- Cover with cling film and smooth out until there are no more wrinkles.
- Refrigerate uncooked for at least 30 minutes and up to 2 days.
- Preheat the oven to 180°C/160°C fan/gas 4.
- Remove the cling film and lightly mark the shortcrust pastry all around with a fork.
- Sprinkle with the remaining sugar.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes.
- Allow to cool in the tin.
- Cut into 24 thin slices.
- Shortbread will keep in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Nutritional Information
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbohydrates | Sugar | fiber | protein | Salt |
| 188 | 11g | 7g | 23g | 9g | 0g | 2g | 0.2g |
Equipment and tools
- mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- sheet
- parchment paper
- Cooling rack
- Sharp knife
Allergen information
This shortbread recipe contains the following allergens:
- butter
- Flour (may contain gluten)
Please note that this recipe may come into contact with other allergens during preparation.
Storage and leftovers
Once the shortbread has cooled, store it in an airtight container at room temperature.
The shortbread can be enjoyed for up to a week.
If you have leftover shortcrust pastry, you can freeze it in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to three months.
The Health Benefits of Shortbread Recipe
Shortbread is a classic, buttery treat that is popular with people of all ages. While enjoying a sweet treat isn’t always linked to health, this particular recipe offers some surprising health benefits. Let’s explore the key ingredients and their potential benefits for your well-being:
1. Butter
Butter, the main ingredient in shortcrust pastry, is a rich source of fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamins A, E and K. These vitamins play an important role in maintaining healthy skin, improving vision and supporting cardiovascular health. Additionally, butter contains conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a fatty acid that has been linked to weight loss and improved muscle strength.
2. Golden powdered sugar
Although it’s important to consume sugar in moderation, using golden powdered sugar in this recipe offers some advantages over refined white sugar. Golden powdered sugar provides a more intense flavor, allowing you to use less sugar without sacrificing flavor. It also contains small amounts of minerals such as calcium, iron and potassium, although the amounts may be minimal in the overall context of the recipe.
3. Plain flour
Plain flour, also known as all-purpose flour, is often used in baking. It’s a good source of carbohydrates and fiber, making shortbread a filling treat. The fiber content supports digestion and promotes a healthy intestine. Additionally, plain flour contains essential B vitamins such as thiamine, riboflavin and niacin, which are important for maintaining energy levels and supporting a healthy nervous system.
4. Rice flour
Rice flour is a gluten-free alternative to traditional wheat flour. It is made from finely ground rice grains and gives the shortbread a light and delicate texture. This makes it suitable for people with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. Rice flour is also a good source of protein, fiber and essential minerals such as magnesium and manganese.
While this shortbread recipe isn’t a superfood, it does offer some surprising health benefits when enjoyed in moderation. Remember that balance is key when incorporating treats into a healthy lifestyle. Enjoying a homemade shortbread every now and then can delight your taste buds without compromising your well-being.
