Classic Irish Shortbread Delight
Indulge in the ultimate Irish Shortbread Cookies that promise a melt-in-your-mouth experience. With a beautifully flaky texture and rich buttery flavor, these cookies are a timeless treat. Whether enjoyed with a cup of tea or as a delightful snack, this simple recipe elevates the traditional shortbread to new heights. The perfect balance of sweetness and buttery richness makes this shortbread unforgettable. Ideal for sharing or savoring alone, this recipe yields a batch that will charm both your family and friends.
N/A
Servings
156
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
Salted Butter
1 cup (softened)
Granulated Sugar
2/3 cup (none)
Cornstarch
1/2 cup (sifted)
All-Purpose Flour
2 cups (sifted)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the salted butter and sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
3
Gently sift the cornstarch and all-purpose flour into the mixing bowl. Combine the dry ingredients with the butter-sugar mixture and mix until well integrated, forming a soft dough.
4
Take the dough and press it evenly into a 10 3/4 by 7-inch pan, smoothing the top with a spatula or your fingers.
5
Using a fork, prick the surface of the dough all over to prevent bubbling during baking.
6
Bake in your preheated oven for 30 minutes. After that, reduce the temperature to 250°F (120°C) and continue baking for an additional 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the edges are lightly golden.
7
Once baked, remove the shortbread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
8
While still warm, sprinkle generously with powdered sugar. Let the cookies cool completely before cutting them into 20 finger-shaped pieces.
Nutrition Information
12g
Fat
12.8g
Carbs
1.6g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Classic Irish Shortbread Delight?
It is a traditional, buttery, and flaky cookie recipe designed to melt in your mouth, often enjoyed as a snack or with tea.
How many ingredients do I need for this recipe?
This recipe requires only 4 simple ingredients: salted butter, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and all-purpose flour.
What type of butter should I use for Irish shortbread?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of softened salted butter to achieve the signature rich flavor.
How much granulated sugar is required?
You will need 2/3 cup of granulated sugar for the dough.
Why is cornstarch used in this shortbread recipe?
Cornstarch is used to give the shortbread a more delicate, tender, and crumbly texture.
How much flour is needed for the batch?
The recipe requires 2 cups of sifted all-purpose flour.
What is the initial oven temperature for baking?
You should preheat your oven to 275 F (135 C) before starting the baking process.
How long should I cream the butter and sugar?
Cream the butter and sugar together for 3-5 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Do I need to sift the dry ingredients?
Yes, you should gently sift both the cornstarch and the all-purpose flour into the mixing bowl for the best results.
What size pan is recommended for this shortbread?
The recipe recommends using a 10 3/4 by 7-inch pan.
Why do I need to prick the dough with a fork?
Pricking the surface of the dough all over helps prevent air bubbles from forming while the shortbread bakes.
How long is the first stage of baking?
The first stage of baking lasts for 30 minutes at 275 F.
What should I do after the first 30 minutes of baking?
Reduce the oven temperature to 250 F (120 C) and continue baking for another 1 to 1.5 hours.
How do I know when the shortbread is finished baking?
The shortbread is ready when the edges are lightly golden.
Should the shortbread cool in the pan?
Yes, allow it to cool in the pan for a few minutes before moving it to a wire rack.
When is the best time to add powdered sugar?
Sprinkle the powdered sugar over the shortbread while it is still warm.
How many cookies does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 20 finger-shaped pieces of shortbread.
Can I use a stand mixer for this recipe?
Yes, you can use either a hand mixer or a stand mixer to cream the butter and sugar.
How many calories are in one serving of Irish shortbread?
One serving contains approximately 156 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each piece contains about 12g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in each cookie?
There are approximately 12.8g of carbohydrates in one serving.
How much protein is in the shortbread?
Each serving provides 1.6g of protein.
What tags define this recipe?
Tags for this recipe include Irish shortbread, cookies, bar cookies, buttery, dessert, baking, and traditional recipe.
Is this a difficult recipe to follow?
No, it is described as a simple recipe with easy-to-follow steps.
How should I cut the shortbread?
Wait until the cookies have cooled completely before cutting them into 20 finger-shaped pieces.
Should the butter be melted?
No, the butter should be softened at room temperature, not melted, so it can be creamed properly.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
Based on the nutritional data provided, the fiber content is null or negligible.
Is there a specific preparation for the cornstarch?
The cornstarch should be sifted before being mixed into the creamed butter and sugar.
Is this recipe good for sharing?
Yes, it yields a batch that is ideal for sharing with family and friends.
What is the primary flavor profile of these cookies?
They feature a rich, buttery flavor with a perfect balance of sweetness.