{"id":58,"date":"2024-11-09T16:51:19","date_gmt":"2024-11-09T16:51:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/journalists.org.uk\/charlotte-burley-hnat\/?p=58"},"modified":"2024-12-20T00:21:13","modified_gmt":"2024-12-20T00:21:13","slug":"baking-on-a-budget-easy-shortbread-recipe","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/journalists.org.uk\/charlotte-burley-hnat\/2024\/11\/09\/baking-on-a-budget-easy-shortbread-recipe\/","title":{"rendered":"Baking on a Budget: Easy Shortbread Recipe"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>When it comes to affordable baking, it\u2019s hard to beat shortbread.<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Baking on a budget: easy shortbread recipe in only 3 ingredients | Bake My Day\" width=\"810\" height=\"456\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/aWnTT0XqyRg?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><br>This simple recipe requires just three ingredients, does not require an electric mixer, is beginner-friendly, and yields a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth biscuit that is perfect for stocking up the biscuit tin all year long.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What is shortbread?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Shortbread is a traditional Scottish biscuit known for its simple ingredients and rich, buttery taste. Originally a luxury reserved for special occasions like Christmas and weddings in medieval Scotland, shortbread has remained a timeless favourite. Its high butter content creates a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture that\u2019s irresistibly crumbly and satisfying. The simplicity of shortbread also makes it endlessly versatile &#8211; whether adding a hint of vanilla, a zest of lemon, or transforming it into indulgent millionaire shortbread with layers of caramel and chocolate. Don\u2019t be afraid to get creative and experiment with any extracts or flavours you have tucked away in the cupboard!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Why you\u2019ll love baking shortbread<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Minimal ingredients<\/strong> \u2013 With just three basic ingredients (butter, sugar, and flour), you won\u2019t need to splurge on a long grocery list.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Quick and easy<\/strong> \u2013 No need for special equipment; you can mix this up with just a bowl and spoon. Ideal for both beginners and seasoned bakers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Versatile<\/strong> \u2013 Shortbread is a perfect blank canvas. You can keep it classic or try adding chocolate chips, citrus zest, or even rosemary for a unique twist.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Keeps fresh for weeks<\/strong> \u2013 Shortbread has a long shelf life, so you can bake a big batch and enjoy it gradually, keeping your biscuit tin stocked for weeks.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Easy to customise<\/strong> \u2013 From pressing designs into the dough to cutting it into fun shapes, shortbread can be as simple or as creative as you want.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Ingredients needed<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Butter<\/strong> &#8211; I recommend using salted butter in your shortbread to add a subtle, savoury edge that enhances the buttery richness and balances the sweetness. If you don\u2019t have salted butter on hand, you can use unsalted butter with a good pinch of salt added to the mix. Since you&#8217;ll be creaming the butter and sugar together, be sure to bring the butter to room temperature first &#8211; this will make mixing much easier and save your arm some effort!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sugar<\/strong> &#8211; Yet another reason why shortbread is the ultimate budget bake &#8211; you can usually use whatever sugar you have tucked away in the cupboard. I tend to use caster sugar, as it creams together with the butter more easily, but traditional recipes often call for granulated sugar. So go with whatever you prefer!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Flour<\/strong> &#8211; Use plain (all-purpose) flour for the perfect texture and structure in your shortbread. This will ensure the cookies hold their shape and have that delicate crumb. Avoid self-raising flour, as the extra leavening isn\u2019t needed for this recipe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignfull size-full has-custom-border is-style-default\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2293\" height=\"1130\" src=\"https:\/\/journalists.org.uk\/charlotte-burley-hnat\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24103\/2024\/11\/Image-09-11-2024-at-15.49-edited.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-80\" style=\"border-style:none;border-width:0px;border-radius:0px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/journalists.org.uk\/charlotte-burley-hnat\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24103\/2024\/11\/Image-09-11-2024-at-15.49-edited.jpeg 2293w, https:\/\/journalists.org.uk\/charlotte-burley-hnat\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24103\/2024\/11\/Image-09-11-2024-at-15.49-edited-300x148.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/journalists.org.uk\/charlotte-burley-hnat\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24103\/2024\/11\/Image-09-11-2024-at-15.49-edited-1024x505.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/journalists.org.uk\/charlotte-burley-hnat\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24103\/2024\/11\/Image-09-11-2024-at-15.49-edited-768x378.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/journalists.org.uk\/charlotte-burley-hnat\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24103\/2024\/11\/Image-09-11-2024-at-15.49-edited-1536x757.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/journalists.org.uk\/charlotte-burley-hnat\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24103\/2024\/11\/Image-09-11-2024-at-15.49-edited-2048x1009.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2293px) 100vw, 2293px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Baked shortbread cookies. Image credit: Charlotte Burley-Hnat<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How to make<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background has-medium-font-size\" style=\"background-color:#cfe7ff\">*<em>You can also see the recipe card below for the full ingredients list, instructions, and nutrition details!<\/em>*<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">STEP 1: Preheat your oven<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>Start by preheating your oven to 190\u00b0C (375\u00b0F). This ensures the oven is at the perfect temperature when your cookies are ready to bake, helping them cook evenly and turn golden at the edges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">STEP 2: Soften your butter<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>Take the butter out of the fridge and let it sit on the countertop for a while to soften to room temperature. This step is crucial, as soft butter mixes better with sugar, creating a smooth, creamy base for your dough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">STEP 3: Cream the butter and sugar<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>Once the butter has softened, place it in a mixing bowl and add the sugar. Using a spoon or an electric mixer, cream the butter and sugar together until the mixture is pale and smooth. This should take about 2 minutes depending on your choice of mixer. Don\u2019t over-mix, as too much air can cause the shortbread to puff up while baking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">STEP 4: Add the flour<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>Now, add the flour to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix it until everything comes together into a stiff dough. It\u2019s important not to overwork the dough &#8211; stop mixing as soon as it begins to form a cohesive mass. At this point, your dough is ready to be shaped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">STEP 5: Shape the dough<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>There are plenty of ways to shape your shortbread, from cookie cutters to using a knife to shape the biscuits straight out of the oven. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background has-medium-font-size\" style=\"background-color:#cfe7ff\"><strong>Tip:<\/strong> If you don\u2019t own a rolling pin or cookie cutter, there is a simple way to shape your dough. Place the dough in the centre of a piece of parchment paper. Pat the dough into a rough log shape, then fold the parchment over it. Roll the dough inside the paper to smooth it out. Once rolled, tie the ends of the parchment to secure it. This helps keep the dough compact and makes for easy slicing later. After your dough has chilled, remove it from the fridge and unwrap it from the parchment. Slice the dough into even pieces, about 1\/4 to 1\/2 inch thick.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">STEP 6: Chill the dough<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>Place your dough in the fridge to chill for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to slice and giving your shortbread that crisp texture after baking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">STEP 7: Slice and shape the shortbread<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>Place the dough on a parchment-lined baking tray. For a little extra detail, you can prick the tops with a fork to give them the classic shortbread design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">STEP 8: Bake the shortbread<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>Place the shortbread in your preheated oven and bake for 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the thickness and shape of your cookies. Keep an eye on them &#8211; once the edges begin to turn a light golden brown, they\u2019re ready to come out. As soon as they\u2019re out of the oven, sprinkle them with a little extra sugar while they\u2019re still warm for that perfect touch of sweetness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">STEP 9: Cool and store<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>Allow the shortbread to cool on the tray for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up and maintain their perfect texture. Once cooled, store your shortbread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. For longer storage, you can freeze them to keep them fresh beyond that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"%e2%9d%84%ef%b8%8f-storage-and-freezer-instructions\"><strong>Storage and freezer instructions<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>To store:<\/strong>\u00a0The shortbread dough itself can be made up to a week in advance by wrapping the dough in clingfilm and storing it in the fridge. Once baked, shortbread can be stored in an airtight container for up to two weeks at room temperature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>To freeze:<\/strong>&nbsp;Wrap the shortbread dough in clingfilm and place it in an airtight container. Freeze the dough for up to 3 months and defrost overnight in the refrigerator before baking. To freeze already baked shortbread cookies, store them in an airtight container and freeze them for up to 3 months, allowing the cookies to defrost to room temperature before serving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Recipe<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignfull size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1240\" height=\"1748\" src=\"https:\/\/journalists.org.uk\/charlotte-burley-hnat\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24103\/2024\/11\/White-Modern-Recipe-Card.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-59\" srcset=\"https:\/\/journalists.org.uk\/charlotte-burley-hnat\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24103\/2024\/11\/White-Modern-Recipe-Card.png 1240w, https:\/\/journalists.org.uk\/charlotte-burley-hnat\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24103\/2024\/11\/White-Modern-Recipe-Card-213x300.png 213w, https:\/\/journalists.org.uk\/charlotte-burley-hnat\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24103\/2024\/11\/White-Modern-Recipe-Card-726x1024.png 726w, https:\/\/journalists.org.uk\/charlotte-burley-hnat\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24103\/2024\/11\/White-Modern-Recipe-Card-768x1083.png 768w, https:\/\/journalists.org.uk\/charlotte-burley-hnat\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24103\/2024\/11\/White-Modern-Recipe-Card-1090x1536.png 1090w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1240px) 100vw, 1240px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-social-links has-normal-icon-size is-style-default is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-social-links-is-layout-a89b3969 wp-block-social-links-is-layout-flex\"><li class=\"wp-social-link wp-social-link-youtube  wp-block-social-link\"><a href=\"https:\/\/youtube.com\/@cbhbakemyday?si=E294uYARN06DoYtj\" class=\"wp-block-social-link-anchor\"><svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path 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d=\"M12,4.622c2.403,0,2.688,0.009,3.637,0.052c0.877,0.04,1.354,0.187,1.671,0.31c0.42,0.163,0.72,0.358,1.035,0.673 c0.315,0.315,0.51,0.615,0.673,1.035c0.123,0.317,0.27,0.794,0.31,1.671c0.043,0.949,0.052,1.234,0.052,3.637 s-0.009,2.688-0.052,3.637c-0.04,0.877-0.187,1.354-0.31,1.671c-0.163,0.42-0.358,0.72-0.673,1.035 c-0.315,0.315-0.615,0.51-1.035,0.673c-0.317,0.123-0.794,0.27-1.671,0.31c-0.949,0.043-1.233,0.052-3.637,0.052 s-2.688-0.009-3.637-0.052c-0.877-0.04-1.354-0.187-1.671-0.31c-0.42-0.163-0.72-0.358-1.035-0.673 c-0.315-0.315-0.51-0.615-0.673-1.035c-0.123-0.317-0.27-0.794-0.31-1.671C4.631,14.688,4.622,14.403,4.622,12 s0.009-2.688,0.052-3.637c0.04-0.877,0.187-1.354,0.31-1.671c0.163-0.42,0.358-0.72,0.673-1.035 c0.315-0.315,0.615-0.51,1.035-0.673c0.317-0.123,0.794-0.27,1.671-0.31C9.312,4.631,9.597,4.622,12,4.622 M12,3 C9.556,3,9.249,3.01,8.289,3.054C7.331,3.098,6.677,3.25,6.105,3.472C5.513,3.702,5.011,4.01,4.511,4.511 c-0.5,0.5-0.808,1.002-1.038,1.594C3.25,6.677,3.098,7.331,3.054,8.289C3.01,9.249,3,9.556,3,12c0,2.444,0.01,2.751,0.054,3.711 c0.044,0.958,0.196,1.612,0.418,2.185c0.23,0.592,0.538,1.094,1.038,1.594c0.5,0.5,1.002,0.808,1.594,1.038 c0.572,0.222,1.227,0.375,2.185,0.418C9.249,20.99,9.556,21,12,21s2.751-0.01,3.711-0.054c0.958-0.044,1.612-0.196,2.185-0.418 c0.592-0.23,1.094-0.538,1.594-1.038c0.5-0.5,0.808-1.002,1.038-1.594c0.222-0.572,0.375-1.227,0.418-2.185 C20.99,14.751,21,14.444,21,12s-0.01-2.751-0.054-3.711c-0.044-0.958-0.196-1.612-0.418-2.185c-0.23-0.592-0.538-1.094-1.038-1.594 c-0.5-0.5-1.002-0.808-1.594-1.038c-0.572-0.222-1.227-0.375-2.185-0.418C14.751,3.01,14.444,3,12,3L12,3z M12,7.378 c-2.552,0-4.622,2.069-4.622,4.622S9.448,16.622,12,16.622s4.622-2.069,4.622-4.622S14.552,7.378,12,7.378z M12,15 c-1.657,0-3-1.343-3-3s1.343-3,3-3s3,1.343,3,3S13.657,15,12,15z M16.804,6.116c-0.596,0-1.08,0.484-1.08,1.08 s0.484,1.08,1.08,1.08c0.596,0,1.08-0.484,1.08-1.08S17.401,6.116,16.804,6.116z\"><\/path><\/svg><span class=\"wp-block-social-link-label screen-reader-text\">Instagram<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n<li class=\"wp-social-link wp-social-link-tiktok  wp-block-social-link\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@bakemyday.ncl?is_from_webapp=1&#038;sender_device=pc\" class=\"wp-block-social-link-anchor\"><svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M16.708 0.027c1.745-0.027 3.48-0.011 5.213-0.027 0.105 2.041 0.839 4.12 2.333 5.563 1.491 1.479 3.6 2.156 5.652 2.385v5.369c-1.923-0.063-3.855-0.463-5.6-1.291-0.76-0.344-1.468-0.787-2.161-1.24-0.009 3.896 0.016 7.787-0.025 11.667-0.104 1.864-0.719 3.719-1.803 5.255-1.744 2.557-4.771 4.224-7.88 4.276-1.907 0.109-3.812-0.411-5.437-1.369-2.693-1.588-4.588-4.495-4.864-7.615-0.032-0.667-0.043-1.333-0.016-1.984 0.24-2.537 1.495-4.964 3.443-6.615 2.208-1.923 5.301-2.839 8.197-2.297 0.027 1.975-0.052 3.948-0.052 5.923-1.323-0.428-2.869-0.308-4.025 0.495-0.844 0.547-1.485 1.385-1.819 2.333-0.276 0.676-0.197 1.427-0.181 2.145 0.317 2.188 2.421 4.027 4.667 3.828 1.489-0.016 2.916-0.88 3.692-2.145 0.251-0.443 0.532-0.896 0.547-1.417 0.131-2.385 0.079-4.76 0.095-7.145 0.011-5.375-0.016-10.735 0.025-16.093z\" \/><\/svg><span class=\"wp-block-social-link-label screen-reader-text\">TikTok<\/span><\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-background\" style=\"background-color:#cfe7ff\">Have you tried this recipe yet? Leave a reply to let me know, or tag me in your bakes on Instagram and TikTok. I&#8217;d love to see what you&#8217;ve been getting up to in your kitchen &#8211; happy baking!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When it comes to affordable baking, it\u2019s hard to beat shortbread. Here&#8217;s how to bake with just three ingredients&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":255,"featured_media":80,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"wds_primary_category":19,"footnotes":""},"categories":[19],"tags":[18,5,4,12,16,17,8,9,11,10,15,14,7,6,13],"class_list":["post-58","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-recipes","tag-affordability","tag-bake","tag-baking","tag-baking-on-a-budget","tag-beginner-baking","tag-beginner-recipe","tag-budget","tag-budget-friendly","tag-budget-friendly-baking","tag-budget-friendly-recipe","tag-easy-baking","tag-easy-recipe","tag-recipe","tag-shortbread","tag-shortbread-recipe"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/journalists.org.uk\/charlotte-burley-hnat\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/58","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/journalists.org.uk\/charlotte-burley-hnat\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/journalists.org.uk\/charlotte-burley-hnat\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/journalists.org.uk\/charlotte-burley-hnat\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/255"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/journalists.org.uk\/charlotte-burley-hnat\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=58"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/journalists.org.uk\/charlotte-burley-hnat\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/58\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/journalists.org.uk\/charlotte-burley-hnat\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/80"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/journalists.org.uk\/charlotte-burley-hnat\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=58"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/journalists.org.uk\/charlotte-burley-hnat\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=58"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/journalists.org.uk\/charlotte-burley-hnat\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=58"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}