Few treats feel as festive and comforting as Classic Scottish Shortbread for Your Christmas Cookie Tray—it’s the kind of cookie that brings smiles with its crumbly, buttery perfection and golden simplicity. This is the recipe I turn to again and again for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, and thoughtful gifts. It’s a back-to-basics, tried-and-true shortbread that is as joyful to bake as it is to share, and the flavor is pure nostalgia. If you love recipes that are easy to make but deeply satisfying, this one will earn a place in your holiday traditions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Scottish shortbread is the epitome of “less is more,” and every ingredient matters! This recipe uses just a handful of pantry staples, yet each plays a vital role in building the classic taste and irresistibly tender texture that defines Classic Scottish Shortbread for Your Christmas Cookie Tray.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): The heart and soul of this treat, creating a rich, melt-in-your-mouth crumb everyone loves.
- Powdered sugar (1/2 cup): Lends the cookies their signature delicately sweet flavor and impossibly smooth texture.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): Forms the sturdy-but-tender base and helps anchor all that buttery goodness.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough to enhance the butter and keep the flavor profile balanced and elegant.
- Granulated sugar (for sprinkling, optional): Adds a gentle sparkle and sweet crunch to the tops—especially pretty for gifting.
How to Make Classic Scottish Shortbread for Your Christmas Cookie Tray
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step ensures an even bake and makes cleanup a breeze, plus the parchment paper helps the cookies release easily without sticking or browning too much on the bottom.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together in a large bowl until the mixture is smooth, pale, and a little bit fluffy. Take your time here—creaming creates that signature tender, airy crumb Classic Scottish Shortbread for Your Christmas Cookie Tray is famous for. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed for an even mix.
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients
Add the all-purpose flour and salt to your creamed mixture. Beat on low just until a soft dough starts to form. Don’t overmix! The dough might look a bit crumbly at first, but that’s exactly what you want for perfect shortbread.
Step 4: Shape and Cut the Dough
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently—just enough for it to come together. Pat or roll the dough to about 1/2-inch thickness. Cut into classic fingers, festive wedges, or rounds, depending on your mood or occasion.
Step 5: Chill Before Baking
Line up your cut cookies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each. Prick the tops of each cookie with a fork for that timeless shortbread look and sprinkle with granulated sugar if you like a sweet, sparkly touch. Don’t forget to chill the whole tray in the refrigerator for 15 minutes; this keeps the cookies from spreading and ensures those beautiful shapes hold during baking.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are just starting to turn golden. This slow, gentle bake helps develop the melt-in-your-mouth crumb. Let them cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling completely. Resist nibbling until they’ve firmed up—your patience will be rewarded!
How to Serve Classic Scottish Shortbread for Your Christmas Cookie Tray
Garnishes
Though beautiful in their simplicity, Classic Scottish Shortbread for Your Christmas Cookie Tray can be dressed up with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or a dip in dark chocolate with chopped nuts for a special holiday flourish. Even a little candied ginger or citrus zest on top will add festive sparkle.
Side Dishes
Shortbread loves company! Serve your cookies alongside a steaming mug of tea or spiced hot cocoa, or plate them with other holiday classics like peppermint bark, citrusy madeleines, or frosted sugar cookies. The buttery richness makes them a wonderful contrast to lighter, fruitier desserts, too.
Creative Ways to Present
Classic Scottish Shortbread for Your Christmas Cookie Tray makes a heartfelt homemade gift. Stack fingers or rounds in cellophane bags tied with pretty ribbon, arrange wedges in festive tins, or layer them on a decorative plate for a holiday potluck. They look gorgeous as edible “tree ornaments” threaded with a ribbon and hung on your cookie platter!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
For maximum freshness, keep your Classic Scottish Shortbread for Your Christmas Cookie Tray in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll happily stay crisp and tender for about two weeks, making them a perfect choice for make-ahead holiday baking.
Freezing
Shortbread freezes beautifully! Once cooled, stack the cookies in a freezer-safe container between layers of parchment. They’ll keep for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature and they’ll be as delicious as the day you baked them.
Reheating
If you want to revive the “just baked” aroma and crispness, pop shortbread in a 300°F oven for 3–5 minutes—just enough to warm them and lightly refresh the crumb. Let cool before serving so they regain their snap.
FAQs
Can I flavor my Classic Scottish Shortbread for Your Christmas Cookie Tray?
Absolutely! Add 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, a touch of almond extract, or even a sprinkle of finely grated lemon or orange zest for a unique twist while still maintaining the classic base.
Why do I need to chill the cookies before baking?
Chilling the cookies helps them hold their shape in the oven and produces a more tender, flaky crumb. It’s a small step, but it makes a big difference for your Classic Scottish Shortbread for Your Christmas Cookie Tray.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
You can use salted butter if that’s what you have, but reduce or omit the extra salt in the recipe to prevent the cookies from becoming too salty.
Do I have to use a fork to prick the cookies?
Pricking the tops with a fork isn’t just for looks—it also helps steam escape and gives the cookies their classic texture. If you skip this step, your shortbread may puff up slightly during baking.
How do I make perfectly even cookies?
Roll the dough out evenly to the recommended thickness (about 1/2 inch) and use a sharp knife or cookie cutter. Chilling the cut dough before baking helps maintain those crisp lines and perfect shapes, which is key for a stunning Classic Scottish Shortbread for Your Christmas Cookie Tray.
Final Thoughts
Classic Scottish Shortbread for Your Christmas Cookie Tray is the kind of timeless recipe that belongs on every holiday table, not just for its simplicity and melt-in-your-mouth goodness, but for the joy it brings to bakers and recipients alike. Give it a try this season—you just might start a new holiday tradition.
Print
Classic Scottish Shortbread for Your Christmas Cookie Tray Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Scottish
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the buttery goodness of classic Scottish shortbread with this easy recipe that’s perfect for your Christmas cookie tray. These melt-in-your-mouth cookies are a holiday favorite!
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- granulated sugar for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the 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 powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Add Flour and Salt: Add the flour and salt, mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead and Shape: Turn the dough onto a floured surface, knead gently, roll to 1/2-inch thickness, cut into desired shapes.
- Chill and Bake: Prick cookies with a fork, sprinkle with sugar if desired, chill for 15 minutes, bake for 18–22 minutes until edges turn golden.
- Cool and Serve: Cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract or a touch of lemon zest.
- These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to two weeks and make wonderful gifts.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *