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Traditional Scottish Shortbread Recipe: Buttery, Crumbly, and Perfect for Tea Time


  • Author: Mouad Boulkhiout
  • Total Time: 1 hour

Description

This traditional Scottish shortbread recipe is buttery, crumbly, and melts in your mouth. With only five simple ingredients, you can create a timeless biscuit that’s perfect for tea time, festive trays, or gifting in a pretty tin. This classic shortbread is easy to make, requires no eggs, and delivers that authentic flavor we all love.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 250g unsalted butter, softened

  • 100g caster sugar

  • 300g plain flour

  • 50g cornflour (cornstarch)

  • A pinch of salt


Instructions

  • Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and caster sugar together until light and fluffy.

  • Add the flours: Sift in the plain flour, cornflour, and salt. Gently mix until a soft dough forms. Do not overwork.

  • Roll and shape: On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to about 1cm thick. Shape into a rectangle or round and transfer to a lined baking tray.

  • Score and prick: Score into fingers or wedges, then prick the surface with a fork for a classic shortbread finish.

  • Bake: Preheat oven to 150°C (fan) and bake for 45–50 minutes, until pale golden but not browned.

  • Cool and slice: Allow to cool in the tin, then cut along the scored lines.

  • Serve: Enjoy with tea, coffee, or package in a tin for gifting.

Notes

  • Use high-quality butter for the best flavor.

  • For a twist, add dark chocolate chunks, lemon zest, or even a sprinkle of sea salt.

  • Store in an airtight tin for up to 7 days.

  • Dough can be made ahead and frozen; thaw before baking.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes