Nana's Classic Scotch Shortbread Cookies
These delightful Scotch shortbread cookies carry the cherished flavors and traditions straight from my Nana, who moved to Canada from England after the First World War. For over 50 years, I have lovingly crafted this recipe, perfecting it to create a tender, buttery treat that melts in your mouth. With a delightful hint of almond and the perfect balance of sweetness and saltiness, these cookies are a testament to a family legacy of baking. Whether enjoyed with tea or gifted to friends, these classic cookies are bound to bring warmth and joy to every occasion.
48
Servings
73
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
all-purpose flour
8 cups (sifted)
baking powder
1 teaspoon (sifted with flour)
salt
1 teaspoon (sifted with flour)
butter
4 cups (softened)
granulated sugar
2 cups (none)
almond extract
1 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, sift the all-purpose flour together with the baking powder and salt, ensuring an even mix.
3
In another large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and almond extract together until the mixture is very light and fluffy, usually about 5 minutes.
4
Carefully fold the flour mixture into the butter mixture, mixing by hand until the dough comes together and is very smooth. If the dough feels too sticky or difficult to handle, cover it and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to chill.
5
Once the dough is ready, scoop out portions and roll them into 1-inch balls.
6
Place the dough balls on ungreased cookie sheets, giving space between each ball.
7
Using the bottom of a patterned drinking glass, gently flatten each ball to about 1/4 inch thick.
8
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes or until they turn a light golden brown. Be sure to monitor closely - DO NOT OVERBAKE.
9
Once ready, remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a container with a lid for proper storage.
Nutrition Information
5g
Fat
6g
Carbs
1g
Protein
4g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Nana's Classic Scotch Shortbread Cookies?
They are traditional, buttery, and tender cookies that melt in your mouth, featuring a hint of almond and a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors.
What is the origin of this shortbread recipe?
The recipe comes from the author's Nana, who moved from England to Canada after the First World War.
How many servings does this recipe produce?
This recipe yields 48 servings of shortbread cookies.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 6 total ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, butter, granulated sugar, and almond extract.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How much butter is used in Nana's shortbread?
The recipe requires 4 cups of softened butter.
How long should I beat the butter and sugar mixture?
You should beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and almond extract together for about 5 minutes until the mixture is very light and fluffy.
Should I use a mixer to combine the flour and butter mixture?
No, the recipe recommends carefully folding the flour mixture into the butter mixture by hand until the dough is smooth.
What should I do if the dough is too sticky to handle?
If the dough feels sticky, cover it and refrigerate it for about 30 minutes to chill before shaping.
How do I shape the cookie dough?
Scoop out portions of the dough and roll them into 1-inch balls.
Should the cookie sheets be greased?
No, the dough balls should be placed on ungreased cookie sheets.
How do I achieve the traditional patterned look on the cookies?
Use the bottom of a patterned drinking glass to gently flatten each dough ball to about 1/4 inch thickness.
How long do the cookies need to bake?
Bake the cookies for approximately 20 minutes.
What is the visual cue that the cookies are done?
The cookies are ready when they turn a light golden brown.
Is there a specific warning regarding the baking time?
Yes, it is crucial to monitor them closely and DO NOT OVERBAKE.
How should the cookies be cooled?
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a storage container.
How should I store these shortbread cookies?
Store the cookies in a container with a lid for proper storage.
What is the calorie count per cookie?
Each cookie contains approximately 73 calories.
How much fat is in each serving?
There are 5 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in one cookie?
There are 6 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much sugar is in a single cookie?
Each cookie contains 4 grams of sugar.
Do these cookies provide any protein?
Yes, there is 1 gram of protein per cookie.
What kind of flour is required?
The recipe calls for 8 cups of all-purpose flour.
What flavoring is used in Nana's recipe?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of almond extract for flavor.
Are there any leavening agents in this shortbread?
Yes, the recipe includes 1 teaspoon of baking powder.
How long has this recipe been perfected?
The author has been crafting and perfecting this recipe for over 50 years.
Can these cookies be served with beverages?
Yes, they are particularly delightful when enjoyed with tea.
What occasion are these cookies best for?
They are perfect for holiday treats, family gatherings, or as gifts for friends.
Is salt included in the ingredients?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of salt is sifted together with the flour and baking powder.
What is the texture of the dough before baking?
The dough should come together and be very smooth after the flour is folded in.