If there’s one smell that takes me back to growing up in the home that housed Granny’s baking, it is shortbread. Alongside her Empire Biscuits, Shortbread is one of the recipes that Granny is best known for. Delightfully Scottish, these sweet buttery biscuits are what dreams are made of. And let me tell you, Granny has got the art of Shortbread mastered!
Possibly my favourite thing about Shortbread is just how versatile it can be. Be it cut into a variety of shapes; circles, fingers, petticoat tails, hearts…you can literally dress them up for any occasion! Or there’s the option of adding a little something extra; chocolate chips, ginger or Granny’s favourite of raisins soak in orange juice & drained, with some dark chocolate chips through them too. Shortbread can be dressed up (or down!) for whatever your needs. It’s even something that I have considered as wedding favours, when that day finally comes.
The best part about Granny’s Shortbread and what sets it apart from most other recipes is just how tried and tested it is. It’s crumbly, it’s buttery, it holds it shape and it’s oh-so sweet. Look no further folks, this is all the shortbread knowledge you will ever need!
- 150g Caster Sugar
- 300g Salted Butter (at room temperature)
- 400g Plain Flour
- 50g Cornflour
- Preheat your oven to 160°c and grease a couple of baking trays with a little butter.
- Cream together the butter & sugar in a large bowl on a medium speed until it becomes light & fluffy.
- Sift in your flour & cornflour and mix on a slow-medium speed to form a stiff dough. Tip the dough onto a floured worktop and gently knead until smooth.
- Roll your dough to around 1cm thick and cut into your desired shapes. Transfer each shortbread to your pre-greased baking trays and prick each one with a fork on top.
- Bake at 160°c for around 15-20 minutes until the edges of the shortbread are golden.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle a little sugar over each shortbread. Leave to cool on their tray for around 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Who is Amy?
Baking with Granny is a home baking blog inspired by many years of watching Granny create thousands of delicious treats. Amy – daughter of Granny and now Mum of two boys – shares Granny’s knowledge and recipes with the world. Read more?
That shortbread looks like heaven! So traditional and nostalgic x
Takes me right back to my childhood!
Is cornflour cornmeal?
I believe Cornflour is also known as Cornstarch out with the UK. Cornmeal is what is regarded as Polenta in the UK. Or so is my understanding!
These look so beautiful – I find it is easy to catch Shortbread but it is still really forgiving and will always get eaten. Yours is baked perfectly though. Thanks so much for joining in once again with #Bakeoftheweek x
I love shortbread and yours looks delicious. Family recipes, are to me, the most precious. All the memories and love that are entwined in them. I shall certainly be trying these! Sammie
Ooh these look gorgeous Amy. I’ve not had any homemade shortbread for quite some time for some reason, and yet I absolutely adore it. I really like the sound of Granny’s favourite – one I really must try.
Angela x