Traditional Scottish Shortbread Only Requires 3 Ingredients
We really don't talk about cookies enough. Seriously, lately, it feels like all bakers and internet foodies are cooking up cakes, brownies, and bread, which are all well and fine, but they rarely bring up a childhood favorite treat: shortbread.
Historic UK speculates that the Scottish shortbread has been around since the 12th century or earlier, but there are a plethora of rumors that dedicate the creation of this sweet to Mary, Queen of Scots, who had an affinity for the cookie during the 16th century. At this time, the cookie was presented in three shapes: the circular cookie cut into triangles, artfully called "petticoat tails," round biscuits named "shortbread rounds," and a rectangular cookie cut into "fingers" (via Ovenvia).
Just so we are super clear, shortbread, even though it has the word "bread" in it, is a cookie, specifically a cookie with a lot of butter. The Nibble describes a traditional shortbread recipe as the grandmother of all butter cookies. Basically, it is from the shortbread that every sugar cookie is born. The flavor and consistency of the Scottish shortbread is a delightful combination of crumbly and buttery hence the name "short" bread, which gives an indication of the crumb's crisp nature. According to Historic UK, shortbread has been around for so long that there isn't one steadfast rule to making it. One thing that is consistent across shortbread recipes, however, is the use of three basic ingredients that you most likely already have in your pantry.
All you need is butter, sugar, and flour
The Scottish shortbread is probably one of the easiest cookies you could ever make. Look in your kitchen. Do you have butter in the fridge? Do you have flour and sugar in the pantry? If you answered yes to all three, congratulations, you can make the traditional Scottish shortbread!
According to The Real World, shortbread is still widely enjoyed today, and eaten during weddings and New Years celebrations in Scotland, but now bakers have a little more fun with it. With wide and inexpensive access to other ingredients in a globalized market like chocolate, vanilla, and nuts, bakers have taken the classic cookie and enhanced it. The Millionaire's Shortbread is a perfect example of the ultimate cookie, combining the buttery crumb of the shortbread with layers of smooth caramel and rich chocolate. Once the cookie has set, you have the ultimate people-pleaser on hand.
Whether you're a master baker or a novice, this delicious cookie is simple, but also easily customizable. So have fun with it, and remember that if you're in a pinch, you can't go wrong with Scottish shortbread.