We’re a day late in celebrating National Shortbread Day, but better late than never.
Shortbread cookies didn’t start out as the buttery, tender cookies we recognize today. They evolved from a leavened biscuit bread that was twice-baked hardening it into a crispy, dried biscuit. At some point along its culinary journey the yeast in the biscuit bread was replaced with butter.
Recipes for shortbread first appear in cookbooks in the 16th century though it has been popular since the 12th century. Mary, Queen of Scots was particularly fond of these cookies and it’s believed that it was her penchant for French foods that helped to refine them into the cookies we enjoy today.
Shortbread Cookie Fun Facts
Traditional shapes for shortbread include a circle divided into equal segments called petticoat tails, individual round cookies, and the rectangular shape called fingers.
Shortbread is traditionally served in Scotland during Christmas celebration and Hogmanay (Scottish New Year)
The first printed recipe for shortbread appeared in Mrs. McLintock’s Receipts for Cookery and Pastry-Work in 1736.
Scottish wedding traditions include the groom breaking a piece of shortbread over his bride’s head. If the cookie crumbles, the marriage will be fruitful.
January 6th is National Shortbread Day.
Scottish bakers successfully lobbied to retain the name shortbread rather than biscuits, avoiding paying a government tax.
Serving Shortbread Cookies
These cookies can certainly stand on their own, but when you can take it to the next level, why wouldn’t you? Here are some of my favorite ways to serve them
Tea is always a good bet. Fragrant Earl Grey or robust English Breakfast are the perfect foil for these rich cookies.
Buttery, dense shortbread cookies are perfect for dunking in Costa Rican or Brazilian coffee.
Bubbly wines like Prosecco, Cava, or Champagne compliment the richness of shortbread cookies.
For an exquisitely, luxurious pairing serve these buttery treats with hot chocolate. Better yet, with this recipe for Hot Chocolate Custard
Brew up some mulled wine for a festive holiday dessert pairing.
Garnish a scoop of your favorite ice cream. This recipe for No Churn Chocolate Caramel Ice Cream looks like a pretty good candidate!
Scotch Shortbread Cookies
Ingredients
1 cup butter, at room temperature
3/4 cup brown sugar
2 1/4 cups cake flour
Instructions
Set a rack in the top and bottom thirds of your oven and heat to 325˚F.
Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
With a stand mixer or hand mixer on low speed, beat the butter until creamy and whipped.
Add the sugar and beat on high until the mixture is fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl periodically.
Add flour gradually and stir until well blended.
Place the dough onto a work surface dusted with flour and shape into a disk. Wrap in plastic and chill for 30 minutes.
On lightly floured work surface, roll out dough to 1/4-inch thick rectangle.
Cut into 1-inch by 2-inch cookies with a pastry wheel.
Transfer to baking sheets and bake for 15 - 20 minutes until the edges are slightly browned.