Shortbread Squares
Delicious buttery shortbread squares with a melt-in-your-mouth texture, perfect for tea time or special occasions, appealing to those who love rich, crumbly cookies.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sifted powdered sugar.
- Gradually add the combined flour and cornstarch to the creamed mixture, mixing until well combined.
- Pat the dough into an ungreased 15 x 10 inch baking pan.
- Pierce the surface several times with a fork.
- Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 40 to 45 minutes or until lightly browned.
- Allow to cool slightly, then cut into squares while still warm.
- Store in an airtight container.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure your butter is at room temperature for easier creaming. If you want a different flavor profile, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or lemon zest to the dough. You can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with almond flour for a nutty flavor. Be careful not to overmix once you add the flour, as this can make the shortbread tough.
Serving Suggestions
Shortbread squares are delightful served with a cup of tea or coffee. They also pair beautifully with fresh fruit or a simple fruit compote. For a special touch, drizzle with chocolate or serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They make a great addition to dessert platters, especially for gatherings or holidays.
Storage & Reheating
Store your shortbread squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresher for longer, consider refrigerating them. To reheat, simply place the squares in a preheated oven at 300°F (149°C) for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through, which will help restore their original texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Shortbread Squares contains roughly 1728 calories, with 12g protein, 351g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (32% of the Daily Value) and protein (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 unsalted butter instead of salted butter?
Yes, you can use unsalted butter in this recipe. Just keep in mind that you'll want to adjust the amount of salt in your other recipes if they call for salted butter. Unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of your shortbread more precisely.
How can I make my shortbread squares more flavorful?
To enhance the flavor of your shortbread squares, consider adding ingredients like lemon zest, almond extract, or even finely chopped herbs, such as lavender. You can also sprinkle a bit of coarse sea salt on top before baking for a sweet and salty contrast, which complements the buttery flavor beautifully.
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).