Scottish Shortbread Recipe
Meet the Cook: Scottish settlers first came to this area over 150 years ago. My mother herself was Scottish, and - as with most of my favorite recipes - she passed this on to me. I make a triple batch of it each year at Christmas, to enjoy and as gifts. When I entered Scottish Shortbread at our local fair, it won a red ribbon. As long as we have been married - and that's 54 years - my husband and I have lived on a farm. We are retired, and we have five grown children. -Rose Mabee, Selkirk, Manitoba
Meet the Cook: Scottish settlers first came to this area over 150 years ago. My mother herself was Scottish, and - as with most of my favorite recipes - she passed this on to me. I make a triple batch of it each year at Christmas, to enjoy and as gifts. When I entered Scottish Shortbread at our local fair, it won a red ribbon. As long as we have been married - and that's 54 years - my husband and I have lived on a farm. We are retired, and we have five grown children. -Rose Mabee, Selkirk, Manitoba
- Carbohydrate 4.50146666667146 g
- Cholesterol 20.3354166838572 mg
- Fat 7.6716541731519 g
- Fiber 0 g
- Protein 0.085895833401296 g
- Saturated Fat 4.85855667077385 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (14g)
- Sodium 55.763333379388 mg
- Sugar 4.50146666667146 g
- Trans Fat 0.537044167120658 g
- Calories 85 calories
Step-by-step
- In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add 3-3/4 cups flour and mix well.
- Turn onto a floured surface.
- Knead for 5 minutes, adding enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.
- Roll to 1/2-in. thickness.
- Cut into 3-in. x 1-in. strips.
- Place 1 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets.
- Prick with fork.
- Bake at 325 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until cookies are lightly browned.
My Family's Beloved Scottish Shortbread: A Recipe Passed Down Through Generations
The aroma of warm butter and sweet brown sugar fills my kitchen every Christmas. It's the scent of tradition, of family, and of course, of the most delicious Scottish shortbread. This recipe isn't just a collection of ingredients and instructions; it's a piece of my family history, passed down from my Scottish mother to me. For over 54 years, it's been a constant in our family life, a comforting presence in our farmhouse kitchen.
My mother, a true Scot at heart, instilled in me a deep appreciation for simple, honest food. This shortbread is the perfect embodiment of that. It's buttery, crumbly, and just sweet enough—the ideal balance of flavors. The recipe itself is straightforward, requiring only a few basic ingredients, but the result is nothing short of extraordinary. I remember as a child, watching my mother meticulously measure and mix, her hands moving with a practiced ease that spoke of years of baking. It was a ritual, a quiet moment of connection between mother and daughter, sealed by the sweet taste of freshly baked shortbread.
Over the years, this recipe has become a cherished part of our family's Christmas traditions. I make a triple batch each year—enough to enjoy ourselves and to share with our five grown children and their families. It's a way to connect with our roots, to honor my mother's legacy, and to create new memories with those we love. The simple act of baking this shortbread brings us together, fostering a sense of warmth and belonging that extends far beyond the taste of the cookie itself. It's more than just a recipe; it's a story, a legacy, a tangible expression of love.
Beyond our family, this shortbread has garnered recognition beyond our kitchen table. I even entered it into our local county fair and was thrilled to receive a red ribbon! That was such a wonderful affirmation of the time and care I put into making it, a testament to my mother's recipe and to the simple beauty of a well-made shortbread. It’s a testament to the fact that sometimes the simplest things in life are the most rewarding. The feeling of accomplishment when you've baked a batch of this shortbread is unmatched, and sharing it with loved ones amplifies that joy tenfold.
More than just a holiday treat, this shortbread is a reminder of the importance of family, tradition, and the simple pleasures in life. Each bite is a journey back in time, a connection to my heritage, and a celebration of the enduring power of a well-loved recipe. The slightly sweet and intensely buttery shortbread is perfect with a cup of tea or coffee, or even enjoyed on its own. So this Christmas, or any time you’re looking for a little piece of home, try baking this Scottish shortbread – it’s more than a recipe; it’s a story waiting to be shared. And who knows, maybe it’ll even win you a red ribbon at the county fair!
