Historical Romance Holiday Cookie Hop – $150 Grand Prize!
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The Short and Sweet of Shortbread
The medieval biscuit consisted of any leftover dough, that was dried out in an oven. “Biscuit” essentially means twice-cooked. When yeast replaced butter, shortbread was born.
Butter was expensive, so shortbread was a treat for many. In Scotland, it is a tasty part of Hogmanay and the New Year celebration. The bread’s inclusion dates back to the ancient pagan Yule cakes that represented the sun. Today, hosts offer shortbread to First Footers when they cross their threshold at midnight. In Shetland, a round of shortbread is broken over a bride’s head on the threshold of her new home.
Shortbread is traditionally made in three shapes. A large circle divided into triangles, small round biscuits, or thick rectangular cakes cut into fingers. Recipes vary by region, but all include flour, butter, and sugar.
Fun Facts:
- The first printed recipe for shortbread appeared in Mrs. McLintock’s Receipts for Cooery and Pastry-Work in 1736
- January 6th is National Shortbread Day.
- Scottish bakers successfully lobbied to retain the name shortbread rather than biscuits, avoiding paying a government tax.
Easy Shortbread
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
- ¼ teaspoon salt (if butter is unsalted)
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- Confectioners’ sugar, optional
Directions
- 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 mat.
- With a stand mixer or hand mixer on low speed, beat the butter for 30 seconds 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.
- 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.
SHORTBREAD COOKIE TIPS
Should you sift flour when making shortbread?
We recommend sifting flour for all baked goods to break up any clumps. It’s especially a good idea in this easy cookie recipe that has just three ingredients. If you don’t have a sifter, use an electric mixer or try using a balloon whisk or strainer to sift!
Why is my shortbread too soft?
Shortbread contains a high amount of butter, so if you find your shortbread too soft, try chilling the bars before baking. This will allow the butter to harden.
Why do you fork shortbread?
Forking shortbread is not necessary, but it prevents the butter from bubbling. Pricking your shortbread also gives it that signature Scottish shortbread cookie design!
How should I store shortbread cookies?
Because shortbreads have a high fat content, they must be handled carefully to prevent crumbling. To store, arrange your cookies in a single layer, adding a piece of parchment or waxed paper between layers. Shortbreads will keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 weeks. For longer storage (up to 3 months), pop the cookies in the freezer and follow these cookie freezing tips!
A Merry MacNaughton Mishap
In this prequel to my A MacNaughton Castle Romance series, Calum MacNaughton uses shortbread to woo the woman he loves. Read how First Footing and this buttery dessert wins the heart of Peigi, daughter of a feuding chieftain.
Two feuding clans, one accidental encounter, a wee bit of holiday enchantment…
Peigi Craigg has tended to her family without complaint since her mother’s death. But now they ask too much. The English landlord has offered her uncle, the Craigg chieftain, an escape from debt and starvation. The price: Peigi must become the earl’s mistress. If she refuses, the remainder of their clan must leave the Highlands. If she agrees, her hope of a husband and family of her own are lost.
Calum MacNaughton rescues a man from an icy drowning, only to find he’s a member of the rival Craigg clan. The man swears to repay Calum for saving his life and broaches the possibility of peace between the clans. Months later, the Craigg reappears with his most precious possession, hoping to settle his debt before the new year.
Now Calum has until Twelfth Night to convince her to stay.
Visit all the authors for more scrumptious treats:
Email your completed list of author names, with their treat names, to Heather@HeatherMcCollum.com with the heading: “Historical Romance Authors are Sweet” to be entered into the $150 gift card grand prize random drawing.
Find the list of all the links to all of the authors at https://www.facebook.com/events/1571629489840031/?active_tab=discussion
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Wow, I didn’t realize shortbread had been around for so long! I love shortbread, it’s one of my favourites!! Merry Christmas to you and yours, Aubrey:)
And a Merry Christmas to you! I love shortbread. Got hooked on my trip to Scotland and learned its ancient history there. 🙂