Buttery Shortbread Biscuits Recipe: A Sweet Classic Done Right

Crafting delightful shortbread biscuits brings pure joy to home kitchens everywhere.

Butter, flour, and sugar dance together in a classic Scottish treat.

Crisp edges and melt-in-your-mouth textures promise pure comfort with every bite.

Ancient Scottish bakers would marvel at how we’ve embraced their simple yet elegant creation.

Minimal ingredients create maximum flavor in these delicate, crumbly delights.

Warm ovens and sweet aromas beckon you to explore this timeless recipe.

Prepare to transform basic pantry staples into something truly magical.

Why Delia Smith Shortbread Biscuits Are A Classic Treat

• Master Quick Baking: Shortbread biscuits require minimal ingredients and basic kitchen skills, making them perfect for beginners wanting to explore baking.
• Create Versatile Treats: Shape these biscuits into rounds, triangles, or classic rectangles, allowing endless creativity and personalization for different occasions.
• Enjoy Simple Comfort: With just butter, sugar, and flour, these traditional Scottish treats deliver pure, rich flavor that connects you to classic home baking traditions.
• Zero Complex Steps: Follow straightforward instructions that guarantee delicious results every single time, eliminating kitchen stress and ensuring consistent success.

Ingredients Needed For Delia Smith Shortbread Biscuits

• Butter: A rich, creamy ingredient that provides tender texture and flavor to the shortbread.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a delicate, crumbly consistency.
• Flour: The primary structure-building ingredient that gives shortbread its classic sandy texture.

• Sugar (Granulated): Sprinkled on top for a sweet, sparkling finish and added crunch.

• Fork: Used for creating decorative holes that help the biscuits bake evenly.

Step By Step For Delia Smith Shortbread Biscuits

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar

Grab your softened butter and sugar in a mixing bowl. Gently combine them using a wooden spoon or electric mixer until they’re just blended. Don’t overwork the mixture – you want it smooth but not fluffy.

Step 2: Form Tender Dough

Gradually fold in flour to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix carefully until the ingredients come together into a crumbly, stiff dough. The texture should feel slightly sandy but hold together when pressed.

Step 3: Shape Delicate Biscuits

Dust your work surface with a light sprinkle of flour. Roll out the dough to a thick, even layer. Use cookie cutters or a knife to create traditional rectangular shortbread shapes or any design you prefer.

Step 4: Prepare for Baking

Carefully transfer your shaped biscuits onto a lined baking sheet. Use a fork to create decorative piercing patterns across the surface. Sprinkle a delicate layer of granulated sugar over the top for extra sweetness and crunch.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the baking sheet in a preheated oven. Bake until the edges turn a soft, pale golden color. The shortbread should look delicate and slightly crisp but not dark brown.

Step 6: Cool and Store

Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let the shortbread cool completely on the tray. Once cooled, transfer to an airtight container where they’ll stay fresh and crisp for several days.

Tips For Better Delia Smith Shortbread Biscuits

• Gentle Mixing Matters: Avoid overworking the butter and sugar to keep shortbread tender and crumbly, stopping when just combined.
• Roll with Precision: Use a thick 3/4-inch roll for classic shortbread texture, ensuring consistent baking and traditional mouthfeel.
• Fork-Pricking Technique: Gently prick the surface with a fork to prevent air bubbles and create authentic shortbread appearance.
• Temperature Control: Bake at a lower temperature to achieve pale golden color without burning, watching carefully in the last 5 minutes.
• Storage Savvy: Cool completely on the baking tray before transferring to maintain structural integrity and prevent crumbling.

Delicious Twists On Delia Smith Shortbread Biscuits

• Lavender Shortbread: Add 1-2 teaspoons of dried lavender flowers to the dough for a fragrant, floral version.
• Chocolate Chip Shortbread: Mix in 1/4 cup of mini chocolate chips before rolling out the dough for a sweet crunch.
• Gluten-Free Option: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Citrus Zest Variation: Incorporate 1-2 teaspoons of lemon or orange zest into the dough for a bright, tangy flavor profile.

Pairing Suggestions For Delia Smith Shortbread Biscuits

• Pair with Tea Symphony: Classic shortbread biscuits dance beautifully with Earl Grey or English Breakfast tea, where the buttery richness complements the tea's delicate bergamot and robust black tea notes.
• Chocolate Wine Harmony: Serve alongside a glass of sweet port wine or a light dessert red like Brachetto d'Acqui, which highlights the shortbread's subtle sweetness and crumbly texture.
• Creamy Coffee Companion: Match with a smooth cappuccino or latte, allowing the biscuit's delicate butter flavor to mingle with the coffee's warm, roasted undertones and creamy milk.

How To Store Delia Smith Shortbread Biscuits Easily

• Place cooled shortbread in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. Keep in the fridge for up to 7 days, maintaining crisp texture and fresh taste.
• Wrap individual biscuits or the entire batch tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Shortbread can stay frozen for 3 months without losing quality.
• Store in a sealed container at room temperature for 5-7 days. Keep away from direct sunlight and moisture to prevent softening.
• Warm briefly in the oven at 150C for 3-5 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwave as it can make shortbread soggy and lose its delicate texture.

FAQs On Delia Smith Shortbread Biscuits

• What type of flour works best for shortbread?

Use plain or all-purpose flour for the most traditional and authentic shortbread texture. Avoid self-raising flour as it will change the classic dense and crumbly consistency.

• How do I prevent my shortbread from becoming too hard?

Don’t overmix the dough and handle it minimally. Gently combine ingredients just until they come together, which helps maintain a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

• Can I add flavors to classic shortbread?

Yes! Try adding vanilla extract, lemon zest, or finely chopped lavender to the basic recipe. These subtle additions enhance the traditional shortbread without overwhelming its delicate flavor.

• Why is it important to prick the shortbread with a fork before baking?

Pricking helps prevent the dough from rising or bubbling during baking.

Shortbread Biscuits Recipe

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4.8 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 35-40 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Crumbly Scottish shortbread biscuits offer buttery bliss with simple ingredients that whisper classic comfort. Rich vanilla and golden butter meld perfectly, inviting you to savor each melt-in-mouth bite of traditional goodness.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 340 grams (2 3/4 cups) all-purpose flour
• 227 grams (2 sticks) salted butter, softened
• 100 grams (1/2 cup) sugar

Finishing:

• Sugar for dusting

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Instructions

1. Cream softened butter and powdered sugar in a mixing bowl until just integrated, avoiding over-beating.
2. Gently fold in flour, working the mixture until it forms a cohesive, slightly crumbly dough.
3. Transfer dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll out to approximately 3/4 inch thickness.
4. Use cookie cutters or a knife to create desired shapes, carefully transferring to a lined baking sheet.
5. Puncture the surface of each biscuit with a fork to create classic shortbread texture.
6. Sprinkle a delicate layer of granulated sugar over the shaped dough for added sweetness and crunch.
7. Place baking sheet in a preheated oven at 160°C fan (180°C/350°F) for 25-30 minutes, monitoring until edges turn a pale golden hue.
8. Remove from oven and allow biscuits to cool completely on the baking tray to maintain structural integrity.
9. Once cooled, carefully transfer shortbread to an airtight container for storage, preserving their delicate, buttery texture.

Notes

• Select high-quality butter at room temperature for smoother mixing and better flavor development.
• Avoid overworking the dough to maintain a tender, crumbly shortbread texture that melts in your mouth.
• Chill the dough for 15-20 minutes before rolling to prevent spreading and ensure clean, crisp edges during baking.
• Experiment with flavor variations by adding citrus zest, lavender, or vanilla bean to the basic recipe for a delightful twist.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 190 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 90 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg