Scottish biscuits

Scottish Shortbread Recipe – A Classic Treat with a Homey Flavor

Scottish shortbread is a simple yet incredibly delicious delight, perfect for enjoying alongside a cup of tea or coffee. These cookies have a crunchy texture and a rich taste, making them an ideal choice for any occasion. Baking these cookies not only brings the aroma of home into the kitchen but also offers a pleasant moment of relaxation.

Total preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 10-12 minutes
Number of servings: Approximately 20 cookies

Ingredients:
- 300 g flour
- 300 g butter (preferably at room temperature)
- 150 g sugar (granulated or powdered sugar, depending on preference)
- 100 g ground almonds
- 3 packets of vanilla sugar (or the seeds from 2-3 vanilla pods)
- A pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder (optional, for a chocolate note)

Short History
Scottish shortbread has a long-standing tradition, known for its crunchy texture and rich consistency. Over time, it has become a favorite not only in Scotland but also worldwide, due to the simplicity of the recipe and accessible ingredients. Each family has its own version, often with slight variations in ingredients that give them a unique character.

Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preparing the Dough:
In a large bowl, add the softened butter and sugar. Use a spatula or your hands to mix until the mixture becomes creamy and smooth. This is the moment when the butter will release its aroma and give the cookies a soft and pleasant texture.

2. Adding Dry Ingredients:
Start adding the flour, ground almonds, vanilla sugar, and a pinch of salt. Mix well by hand or with a spatula until the ingredients are fully integrated. It is important not to overmix the dough to avoid developing gluten and keep the cookies crumbly.

3. Adjusting Dough Consistency:
If you notice that the dough does not easily pull away from the sides of the bowl, add one tablespoon of flour at a time, mixing until you achieve a consistency that does not stick to your hands.

4. Shaping the Cookies:
Preheat the oven to 175°C. While the oven is heating, grease a baking tray with butter or use parchment paper to prevent sticking. Use a piping bag or shape with your hands to create round balls of dough, placing them on the prepared tray. Make sure to leave enough space between them, as they will spread slightly while baking.

5. Baking:
Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, until they turn lightly golden. Be mindful of the baking time, as each oven is different; the cookies are done when the edges start to become golden, but the center should remain soft.

6. Cooling:
Once the cookies are baked, remove the tray from the oven and let them cool on a cooling rack. This step is essential for achieving the perfect texture.

Practical Tips:
- Ingredient Care: Use high-quality butter, as it plays a crucial role in the flavor of the cookies. You can also try using reduced-fat butter for a different texture.
- Almonds: You can use whole chopped or ground almonds; they add a crunchy note and pleasant flavor. If you want to change the recipe a bit, you can replace the almonds with walnuts or hazelnuts.
- Cocoa: Adding cocoa to the dough will transform the cookies into a chocolate variant. You can experiment with different types of cocoa (dark or white) to achieve a personalized taste.
- Variations: You can add raisins, chocolate, or dried fruits to diversify the recipe. These ingredients will not only add flavor but also a boost of nutrients.

Nutritional Benefits
These Scottish shortbread cookies are a source of healthy fats (from butter and nuts), but it's best to consume them in moderation due to their sugar content. The white flour used gives them a light texture, but you can opt for whole wheat flour for a higher fiber intake.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use margarine instead of butter? Yes, but the cookies will not have the same flavor and texture. Butter is essential for the authentic taste of the cookies.
- How can I keep the cookies fresh? Store them in an airtight container at room temperature, and if you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them.
- Can I add spices? Yes, cinnamon or nutmeg can add a pleasant flavor to the cookies. Experiment with your favorite spices to achieve innovative combinations.

Serving Suggestions
These Scottish shortbread cookies are delicious both plain and accompanied by a cup of tea or coffee. You can try serving them with a caramel sauce or cream cheese to enhance their flavor. They also make a wonderful gift for friends or family, accompanied by a personalized note.

Scottish shortbread cookies are a simple and flavorful recipe that will bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart. I wish you great success in making them and, most importantly, enjoy your meal!