I Love This Scottish Shortbread
All of my life I have been told of my Scottish heritage. My Mother was a Cunningham. Of the Cunningham clan. Now, that’s the beginning of all things Scottish and this Scottish shortbread.
We had a Cunningham book. We could tell you our genealogy, tartan, motto, lineage…got it?
There was no Scottish shortbread baked or tasted while I was growing up. Nor tea. Or Scones.
Yet, the longing to visit Scotland was first and foremost on my bucket list.
That’s when reality happened.
Truly.
I was finishing up my master’s degree. Only one course left when my professor announced that she was teaching a class in the United Kingdom. Traveling all over England, Wales, and yes, Scotland.
I looked at the price tag. Nope.
I questioned the time frame. Five weeks away from little ones. Nope.
My husband took me to dinner and counted onto the table the amount of the trip…in cash. What?!!!
I argued.
About the cost.
And leaving little ones.
But, he was persistent.
So, off I went. Camera, suitcase and passport in tow.
Scotland did not disappoint.
I enjoyed the train travel. I loved the vistas. I embraced the people. Especially in Scotland.
I became addicted to tea time at 4:00. The chocolate. The scones.
It was on one overnight train ride to Inverness that I had my first Scottish shortbread. With tea.
I was smitten.
I came home with lots of memories, tartan, kilts, wool sweaters, and boxed Scottish shortbread.
Sure you can buy it. But, why when you find the perfect Scottish shortbread recipe would you not recreate it? So easy. Just perfect.
I added it to my Christmas recipe book to share. I baked it. Over and over I baked it. For holidays. But, most importantly for tea time. With my favorite English tea— PG Tips.
Memories flooded back with each bite. I could feel the wind off the lake at Inverness. The coastal breezes of Ayr. The air of Edinburgh. It even brings me back to train rides and conversation in Scottish dialect. Genuine, real people who connected hearts.
Perhaps, one day, when the insanity of life as we know it ends and travel returns, I’ll step onto that shore once again. For familiarity, for gentle kindness, and for more shortbread. Scottish style.
But, in the meantime, I wish you had your feet under my table to share a cup of English tea and my favorite Scottish shortbread recipe. Until then, here’s the recipe to celebrate the holidays!
Scottish Shortbread
Equipment
- mixer
- cookie sheet
- oven
Ingredients
- 1 C butter softened
- 1/2 C sugar
- 2 C all purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
- Cream together sugar and butter.
- Add flour gradually and mix until smooth.
- Press out smoothly onto an ungreased cookie sheet, keeping dough a generous 1/4" thickness, even if it does not cover the entire cookie sheet.
- Prick all over with a fork.
- Bake for 45 minutes or until light golden brown.
- Cut into squares and let cool in the pan.
- Store in airtight tins or containers.
Notes
Enjoy friends!
I am joining other bloggers for a Cookie Blog Hop! Hope you’ll follow their great cookie recipes!
- Cottage On Bunker Hill– Nana’s Italian Cookies
- Chalking Up Success– Embossed Christmas Cookies
- Just Jill– 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
- Back Porch Bliss– Wait Until You See These mug Cookies
- A Loverly Life– Chocolate Chai Tea Cakes
- MTB Home Living– Snow On Plowed Ground Cookies
- Everyday Edits– 5 Ingredient Peanut Butter Fudge
- My Home And Travels– Chewy Gingersnap Cookies
- Stacy Ling Bricks ‘N Blooms– Easy Christmas Cookies
- Shop At Blu– Holiday Cookie Recipes
- Hammers N Hugs– Christmas Pudding Cookies
- JDub By Design– Butter Pecan Cookies
- Now Choose Life- Fritos Trail Mix
- B4 And Afters– Best Cookie Cutter Cookies
- American School Of Charm– Christmas Recipe For Salt Dough
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23 Comments
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Sue at Blu
Um…I feel like I need to enjoy the addiction to tea time, chocolate and scones! This trip just moved a notch up on my bucketlist!
Leslie J Watkins
We had a girl from England live with us for a few years and teatime was always at 4:00. A pot of PG Tips (her favorite) on, and something sweet usually accompanied it. It’s truly a time to stop and take a break from the day.
Grace Decken
OMG this shortbread recipe is the BOMB!
Reminded me of my visit in Edinburgh at a quaint tea house
Love it with my English tea
Not quite at 4 pm
Pretty much anytime!
Leslie J Watkins
Thank you, Grace! Doesn’t it remind you of Scotland? So glad you are enjoying it! Miss you!
Kim Waldorf
Such a wonderful adventure! I am a big English girl and love my daily tea. I will have to make some of your Scottish shortbread to have with it. Thanks for sharing your shortbread and all the other yummy blogger’s recipes!
Leslie J Watkins
Thanks, Kim! I would love your take on them!
Martha Wallace
So lovely! Thank you for sharing! Love the shortbread!
Jennifer
It sounds like you have quite a keeper of a husband!! I l worked with a Scottish woman when I was in college and she always brought in shortbread as a treat for everyone!!
Leslie J Watkins
Yes! He’s a keeper! And what a true treat to have that shortbread from her! Did she share her recipe with you?? that would be true heaven for me.
Misty
I love your story, and what a gem your hubby must be! I’m so glad you got this opportunity, Scotland and Ireland are both on my list. I can’t wait to try this. XOXO
Leslie J Watkins
Thank you! My hubby is a true gem. I’m a lucky girl. Ireland’s on my list!
Suellen
Love the recipe and the story of your trip❤️❤️❤️ Learned something new about you today! I love tea and will make the recipe and think of you my friend❤️!
Leslie J Watkins
Thank you, Suellen! Send me a photo when that happens! Miss you sooooo much!
Liberty
I can’t believe how simple this recipe is! It reminds me of my nutmeg shortbread recipe. I am 1/4 Scottish, and in my teen years worked with a recent immigrant from near Glasgow, Scotland. I enjoyed her accent sooo much! I would love to visit one day. It’s amazing that you were able to— and what a fabulous husband you have!
Leslie J Watkins
Ooooh!!! Nutmeg lovers here! Thanks for the inspiration, friend. I’ll have to try that. I have more English than Scottish in me…but, that Scottish part runs strong. I loved Glasgow. And, my husband. He IS pretty fabulous!
Allison O'Dell
I love this so much! Thanks for sharing, Ali.
Leslie J Watkins
A true favorite Christmas cookie for sure! Hope you enjoy making and eating them!
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