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This crispy biscuit from Scotland is a refreshing change for the Christmas table.

This crispy biscuit from Scotland is a refreshing change for the Christmas table.
© Marion Topitschnig

Christmas Shortbread

Baking
Christmas

The aromas of this Scottish classic have been adapted for the Christmas season.

Marion Topitschnig

For the shortbread:

Ingredients
125 g butter
40 g caster or fine granulated sugar
25 g icing or powdered sugar
225 g flour
1 pinch(es) salt
1 teaspoon(s) gingerbread spice mix (more if desired)
1 teaspoon(s) vanilla extract
  • Line a 22cm springform pan with baking paper and preheat the oven to 160°C.
  • Cream the butter and sugar in a bowl until the granulated sugar is completely dissolved.
  • Sift the flour and spice into the bowl, add the salt and vanilla extract and quickly mix everything together to form a shortcrust pastry.
  • Place the dough into the pan and press it flat. Use a ruler and a knife to outline the pieces on the dough and prick each piece with a fork or wooden skewer.
  • Bake the shortbread in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes.
  • Remove from the oven, detach the cake ring and re-cut the pieces with a sharp knife.
  • Allow the shortbread to cool – and it's finished!

Tip:

The shortbread can be flavoured to your heart's content: for example with cinnamon and orange zest or with ginger powder and lemon zest. 

What I like about this recipe: I am not a great biscuit baker. I don't have the patience for that so this shortbread is a pleasant alternative. It's quick to make, works every time, and thanks to the high butter content, a pleasant aroma quickly spreads throughout the house. The shortbread also makes an excellent base for a Christmas dessert, for example in combination with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce or with caramelised apple slices.

Marion Topitschnig
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