If you’re searching for that perfect, buttery biscuit to crown your holiday spread, look no further than Classic Scottish Shortbread for Your Christmas Cookie Tray. This treasured recipe brings a taste of cozy Scottish tradition to your festive table, offering melt-in-your-mouth texture and sweet, subtly salty flavor that’s irresistible with tea, cocoa, or just on its own. Easy to make with just a handful of pantry staples, these shortbread cookies remind us that sometimes the simplest recipes are the most magical — especially when shared with family and friends around the holidays.
Ingredients You’ll Need
When it comes to Classic Scottish Shortbread for Your Christmas Cookie Tray, less is truly more. Each ingredient plays a starring role, creating a cookie that’s tender, rich, and just the right amount of sweet. Quality here matters more than quantity, so reach for the best you have—it’s the secret to shortbread that truly melts in your mouth.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): The heart and soul of shortbread, high-quality butter gives that signature richness and tender crumb.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup, plus extra for sprinkling): Brings gentle sweetness and creates the delicate crisp texture on top when sprinkled before baking.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The structure-maker, flour is what turns this dough into beautifully sturdy yet crumbly cookies.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just a pinch balances the sweetness and deepens that irresistible buttery flavor.
How to Make Classic Scottish Shortbread for Your Christmas Cookie Tray
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Start by placing your softened butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat them together on medium speed for 2 to 3 minutes, until the mixture looks light and fluffy. This is where the magic begins—the more air you whip in, the more delicate your shortbread turns out. You’ll know it’s right when it’s pale and creamy.
Step 2: Add the Dry Ingredients
Gently add your flour and salt to the butter mixture. Mix on low speed just until the dough starts to come together. It might look a bit crumbly, but don’t worry—that’s exactly what you want for authentic Classic Scottish Shortbread for Your Christmas Cookie Tray. Once you can press the dough together with your fingers and it holds, you’re ready for the next step.
Step 3: Knead and Roll Out
Tip the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it gently a few times, just enough so it forms a smooth mass—don’t overwork it! Then, roll the dough out to about 1/2-inch thickness. A touch of patience here gives you cookies with that unforgettable shortbread bite.
Step 4: Cut Into Shapes
Use a sharp knife to cut your dough into classic rectangles, finger shapes, or rounds. Cookie cutters work beautifully if you want a more festive look. The shape is up to you—what matters most is keeping the thickness even so everything bakes up perfectly.
Step 5: Arrange, Prick, and Sugar
Carefully transfer your shapes onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each. Prick each cookie a few times with a fork—this isn’t just for looks, but also for that signature texture and even baking. Finish with a light sprinkle of extra granulated sugar for that snowy effect.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cookies in a preheated 325°F (160°C) oven for 20 to 25 minutes, watching closely near the end. You want the edges to turn just the palest golden—overbaking will dull the delicate flavor and texture. When they’re ready, let them cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then move to a wire rack to finish cooling and crisping up.
How to Serve Classic Scottish Shortbread for Your Christmas Cookie Tray
Garnishes
For a festive flair, melt some good-quality chocolate and dip one end of each cooled cookie, then sprinkle with crushed candy canes or red and green nonpareils before the chocolate sets. Edible gold dust or a sparkly sugar crystal finish gives your Classic Scottish Shortbread for Your Christmas Cookie Tray a touch of holiday magic.
Side Dishes
These buttery treats are made for dunking and sipping. Pair your shortbread with steaming mugs of cocoa or spiced tea for a classic holiday treat. They’re wonderful alongside rich eggnog, seasonal fruit preserves, or a bowl of winter citrus sections for a bit of brightness in every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack them artistically in clear cellophane bags and tie with tartan ribbon for charming gifts. Layer shortbread between sheets of parchment in festive tins or display in a pyramid on your dessert platter with sprigs of rosemary for a tree-like effect. However you choose to present them, Classic Scottish Shortbread for Your Christmas Cookie Tray always brings joy to any table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cool, keep your Classic Scottish Shortbread for Your Christmas Cookie Tray in an airtight tin or glass container at room temperature for up to a week. They retain their just-baked texture and stay beautifully fresh, ready for snacking or packing up as last-minute gifts.
Freezing
Shortbread cookies freeze beautifully! Arrange cooled, undecorated cookies in a single layer with parchment between to prevent sticking. Tuck them into a zip-top freezer bag, remove excess air, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature when the cookie craving (or surprise guests) strike.
Reheating
Shortbread tastes delicious at room temperature, but if you prefer them slightly warm, pop a few cookies onto a baking sheet and heat in a 275°F (135°C) oven for 4 to 5 minutes. This revives some of that fresh-baked crispness without changing the flavor.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can use salted butter in a pinch—just omit the additional salt from the recipe. The flavor will be a touch more savory, but still delicious.
Why is my shortbread dough crumbly?
This is completely normal! Shortbread dough is meant to be crumbly and comes together with a gentle knead. If it’s too dry to press into shape, let it sit at room temperature a few minutes or add another teaspoon of softened butter.
How do I prevent overbaking?
Keep a close eye on the cookies during the last few minutes in the oven. You’re looking for just the barest hint of gold on the edges; they’ll continue to set as they cool. Overbaked shortbread loses its tender, melt-in-your-mouth charm.
Can I flavor this shortbread with other ingredients?
Absolutely! Try folding in a hint of citrus zest, a drop of pure vanilla extract, or a handful of finely chopped toasted nuts for your own twist on Classic Scottish Shortbread for Your Christmas Cookie Tray. Just keep additions subtle so the buttery shortbread flavor still shines.
Is this recipe suitable for holiday gifting?
Shortbread is one of the best cookies for gifting—sturdy, easy to stack, and stays fresh for days. Pack it in cute tins or parchment-lined boxes and share some Classic Scottish Shortbread for Your Christmas Cookie Tray with everyone on your list!
Final Thoughts
It’s amazing how just a few simple ingredients can come together to create something truly memorable for the holidays. I hope you’ll try Classic Scottish Shortbread for Your Christmas Cookie Tray this year and enjoy the happy tradition of sharing them with the people you love most. Happy baking and happiest holidays!
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Classic Scottish Shortbread for Your Christmas Cookie Tray Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the buttery goodness of Classic Scottish Shortbread this holiday season. These simple yet delicious cookies are perfect for your Christmas cookie tray or as a thoughtful homemade gift. With a crisp, tender texture and just the right amount of sweetness, they are sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar, plus extra for sprinkling
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Flour and Salt: Mix in the flour and salt until the dough just comes together.
- Knead and Shape: Turn the dough onto a floured surface, knead it a few times until smooth, and roll it out to 1/2-inch thickness.
- Cut and Bake: Cut the dough into desired shapes, prick with a fork, sprinkle with sugar, and bake for 20-25 minutes until lightly golden.
- Cool and Enjoy: Let the shortbread cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For a festive touch, dip cooled shortbread in melted chocolate and sprinkle with crushed candy canes or holiday sprinkles.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week for holiday gifting or serving on your cookie tray.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Scottish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
