Scotch Shortbread Cookies

Cook: 30 min Cuisine: Scottish

Delightful Scottish shortbread cookies with rich buttery flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture, perfect for tea time or festive occasions, appealing to those who enjoy classic baked treats.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup margarine
  • 2 1/2 cups flour
  • 1/2 cup sugar

Instructions

  1. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness.
  2. Bake in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 25 to 30 minutes until lightly golden.
  3. Ice and decorate as desired.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of margarine. If you're looking for a healthier twist, try using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. When rolling out the dough, make sure to use enough flour on the surface to prevent sticking, and chill the dough for about 30 minutes before rolling for easier handling.

Serving Suggestions

These shortbread cookies are perfect for afternoon tea or as a sweet snack. They pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. For a fun twist, try icing them with a simple glaze or serving them alongside a bowl of Muscadine Sauce for a fruity dip that complements the buttery flavor.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover Scotch shortbread cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, they can be frozen for up to three months. To enjoy them after freezing, simply let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours before serving.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Scotch Shortbread Cookies contains roughly 1322 calories, with 7g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 122g fat. It is a good source of iron (17% of the Daily Value), protein (14% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 985mg per serving (43% of the Daily Value).

1322 kcal 66% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 7.1g 14% DV
Total Fat 121.7g 100% DV
Carbs 53.9g 20% DV
Fiber 2.9g 11% DV
Sugar 0.2g

Electrolytes

Sodium 984.9mg 43% DV
Potassium 165.3mg 4% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin C 10.9mg 12% DV
Calcium 20.7mg 2% DV
Iron 3.1mg 17% DV
Contains Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different types of flour for this recipe?

Yes, you can use alternative flours like whole wheat or gluten-free flour. Keep in mind that this may alter the texture slightly, so you might need to adjust the liquid content to achieve the right consistency.

What can I do if my dough is too crumbly?

If your dough is too crumbly, try adding a tablespoon of cold water or a little more margarine to help bind it together. Make sure not to overwork the dough as this can affect the texture of the cookies.

How can I tell when the cookies are done baking?

The cookies are done when they are lightly golden around the edges and slightly firm to the touch. They may still look soft in the center but will firm up as they cool. Bake them for the full 30 minutes for the best results.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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