Scotch Shortbread Triangles
Delight in these buttery, crisp Scottish shortbread triangles accented with vanilla and almond flavors, topped with colorful sugar crystals or almonds for an elegant treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream the butter; gradually add sugar and beat until light and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla and almond extracts.
- Combine the flour and salt, then blend into the creamed mixture.
- Roll out on a floured board to 1/2-inch thickness to form a 14 x 8-inch rectangle.
- Cut into 2-inch squares.
- Cut each square diagonally to form triangles.
- Brush lightly with beaten egg.
- Sprinkle half of the triangles with colored sugar crystals.
- Sprinkle the remaining triangles with sliced almonds and press lightly into the dough.
- Bake on a cookie sheet in a preheated 300°F oven for 25 to 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using European-style butter, which has a higher fat content. If you don’t have almond extract, you can substitute with an equal amount of additional vanilla extract. Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming. If the dough is too sticky, dust with a little extra flour while rolling.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these delightful Scotch Shortbread Triangles with a cup of tea or coffee for a classic afternoon treat. They also pair beautifully with the Apple Cheese Appetizer for a savory-sweet combination. For a festive touch, consider dusting them with powdered sugar before serving or offering a variety of toppings for guests to customize their treats.
Storage & Reheating
Store the shortbread triangles in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To keep them fresh longer, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just ensure they are well wrapped to prevent freezer burn. Thaw in the container to maintain their texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Scotch Shortbread Triangles contains roughly 955 calories, with 30g protein, 126g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (60% of the Daily Value), iron (51% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (50% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 493mg per serving (21% of the Daily Value).
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 a mixer instead of creaming by hand?
Yes, using an electric mixer can save time and effort when creaming the butter and sugar. Just be sure to start on a low speed to avoid splattering, then gradually increase to medium until light and fluffy. This method also works well for incorporating the extracts and flour mixture.
What if I want to make these gluten-free?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking. Look for one that contains xanthan gum, which helps mimic the texture of traditional flour. This should yield similar results, ensuring that everyone can enjoy these delicious triangles.
How can I make these shortbread more festive?
To add a festive flair, consider incorporating citrus zest, such as lemon or orange, into the dough. Additionally, you can drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled triangles or use colored sugar crystals for a vibrant finish. These variations can elevate their appearance and flavor for special occasions.
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).