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January 6th was National Shortbread Day #NationalShortbreadDay. I know I must have had #Shortbread sometime in my life but I can’t remember what it taste like. I was thinking of having David stop by the grocery story and picking up Lorna Doone Shortbread Cookies to go with the Milk we have for a #snack during movie night tonight. Would you like to join us?
Have you ever tasted a delicious all-Butter Shortbread? If not on January 6th, people celebrate National Walker’s Shortbread Day, a day to appreciate the delectable Shortbread in all its glory! This Buttery, melt-in-your-mouth treat is Scotland’s best gift to the world.
Shortbread is baked without a leavening component like baking Soda or Powder, this incredible dessert’s dense and rustic texture stands out from any other! As a reminder of the holiday spirit, why not start the New Year on a sweet note by enjoying this Scottish delight at home?
Originating in Scotland in the 12th Century and benefiting from cultural exchange with French pastry chefs, Shortbread’s original recipe calls for a simple mix of Butter in the Flour. Did you know the fattening of the Dough shortens it, hence the name ‘Shortbread.’
It wasn’t until the intervention of Mary, Queen of Scots, that Shortbread gained national prominence. In the 16th Century, she refined the recipe and propagated its triangular sizing to match them with her preferred petticoat tails.
After the introduction of Sugar to the United Kingdom, the 17th-Century Shortbread became a sweet Biscuit, best enjoyed with evening Tea. We could trace Shortbread’s cultural footprint back to William Shakespeare’s 17th-century play, “The Merry Wives of Windsor.”
From Shortbread’s humble origins as a simple mix of Butter and Flour to the refined, sweet Biscuit we cherish today, Shortbread not only delights our taste buds but also connects us to a legacy of tradition and creativity.
How to Celebrate National Walker’s Shortbread Day
- If you have the means and the opportunity today make the best out of any Season by purchasing all the necessary treats and ingredients. Once stocked up, you’ll eat and bake with the most traditional Scottish flavors.
- Shortbread is delicious on its own however, Shortbread is a great pairing with various beverages, like Tea or Coffee if you are craving something nice and warm, Scotch or Whisky if you are looking for more of a robust taste.
- National Walker’s Shortbread Day is the opportunity to invite your friends or family to enjoy the traditional Shortbread’s taste. Or even better, you can try baking Shortbread at home using the recipe below.
Facts About Shortbread
- Did you know Shortbread is made using only four ingredients: Butter, Flour, Sugar, and a pinch of Salt.
- Shortbread was usually only served at important occasions, like Christmas, Hogmanay, Weddings, and Christenings.
- Shortbread got its name from the short, crumbly texture, which melts in the mouth.
- Shortbread can be shaped in various ways, including rounds, rectangles, or even festive molds.
- The first printed Shortbread recipe appeared in 1736 and by a Scotswoman named Mrs McLintock.
Why People love National Walker’s Shortbread Day
Shortbread is a simple treat that can improve and elevate everything from Tea time to “me time.” Let’s get ready to try Shortbread today a Scottish treat.
Let the holiday celebrations be one of many moments to enjoy a tasty and classic treat because Shortbread is a delicious year-round snack that can be enjoyed anytime with anyone!
If your like my family and you can’t travel to Scotland, Shortbread brings Scotland straight to us. Allowing us to celebrate and taste this beautiful Country’s simple and authentic flavor.
Recipe for Shortbread
Prep Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 20 mins Total Time: 35 mins
Servings: 12 Yield: 12 shortbread squares
Ingredients
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup butter, at room temperature
½ cup white sugar
1 tablespoon white sugar, or as needed
Directions
Cut shortbread into squares in the pan while still warm. Cool completely before removing squares from the pan.
Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C).
Mix together flour, butter, and 1/2 cup sugar in a bowl with your hands until well combined. Press dough into an ungreased 11 ½ x 7 ½-inch sheet tray or jelly roll pan. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon sugar.
Bake in the preheated oven until edges are light brown, 20 to 30 minutes.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
