Figure 1 Plate of Shortbread Fingers Image Source: Shortbread

Here’s a no fuss simple recipe that is guaranteed to please.

Ingredients

• 1 Cup (120 grams) of All-Purpose Flour
• ¾ Cup (168 grams) of Butter
• ¼ Cup (65 grams) of Brown Sugar

Method

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and lightly grease a flat baking sheet (use non-stick cooking spray if you wish)
2. Sift the flour
3. Gradually cream the butter and sugar together
4. Once the butter and sugar have been creamed together and are nice and fluffy gradually stir the flour into the mixture. Some people add a little salt at this point but that’s up to you.
5. Knead the dough for a little bit and then continue kneading but gradually flatten the dough. Roll the dough out to about ¼ inch thick sheet. If your work area is not big enough simply halve the dough and do this in two batches.
6. Cut the dough sheets into portions. If making long narrow fingers like those in Figure 1 above it may pay to make them a little thicker (say ½ an inch thick) and prick them with a fork.
7. Use cookie cutters of varying shapes to cut the dough if you want to have a variety of shapes. When using ¼ inch thick dough it is not vital to prick the cookies.

Figure 2 Shortbread Rounds Prior to Baking Image Source: Shortbread

1. Now place the shortbread shapes onto your prepared baking sheet and space them about 2 inches apart. Once the baking sheet is full load it into the preheated oven on a centrally place rack and bake until the shortbread cookies begin to turn a lovely golden color.
2. Take them out of the oven and transfer the baked shortbread cookies to a wire rack to cool
3. Reload your baking sheet and bake the next batch. Repeat until all the dough has been used.

Serving

These shortbread cookies are best stored in an airtight container until ready to be consumed. Serve with a glass of milk or wrap in plastic cling wrap to take to work or school.

A nice cup of café latté, espresso or cappuccino coffee or even a cup of Earl Grey tea are ideal for washing down these wonderful little shortbread treats. Enjoy!!!