These shortbread squares are super easy to make and always impress as a gift idea or hosting treat. My mom found this recipe in the "Joy of Cooking" cookbook, and the way I made mine can be found here:
Ingredients:
• 1 cup softened butter (I used salted)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup icing sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Optional add-ins: 1 cup mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts like pecans and walnuts (can combine with chocolate chips)
• Optional topping: sugar sprinkles
Instructions:
1. Pre-heat oven to 325°F
2. Add softened butter to large mixing bowl, cream it using the back of a spoon until there are no chunks left.
3. Sift in dry ingredients: flour, icing sugar, salt. Give it a quick mix, then incorporate your add-ins (I used mini chocolate chips).
4. Use your hands to incorporate the dry ingredients into the butter. The dough should start to stick together in clumps. Do this until you can't see any flour.
5. Start adding dough into an ungreased 8" or 9" square pan and flatten it out.
6. Before baking, use a fork to poke holes in your dough every inch or so. This will help prevent the squares from bubbling. If your dough lifts (crumbles), try dipping your fork in a small bit of flour. You can also hold the dough down with your other hand while you poke the holes like I am in the video. If you want to add sugar sprinkles, add them now. You can give them a little pat to help push them in.
7. Bake 25-30 minutes or until golden brown around the edges. Mine took 38 minutes because I used an 8" pan, whereas the original recipe calls for a 9" square pan. When you poke the centre it should feel mostly firm, but a slight softness is okay.
8. Cut into squares while still warm.
Final notes:
Shortbread tastes even better the next day, so I always make mine the day before I want to eat or serve them. They also freeze very well, so feel free to store them in a freezer bag for later.
Music ⓒ - Kevin MacLeod
20 дек 2023
