A Christmas classic, these traditional all-butter Scottish shortbread cookies are simple to make and taste delicious with a hot chocolate or a warming dram of whisky! In collaboration with Titan Travel’s 12 Days of Blogmas Campaign.
Scottish shortbread has to be, in my humble opinion, one of the best foodie things about Christmas in Scotland. One of the main commercial Scottish shortbread producers make a whopping 40,000 tonnes of the stuff every year, and for good reason – we love it!
That crumbly buttery cookie pairs perfectly with a hot cup of chocolate, coffee, or even a warming dram of whisky, should you be needing your cockles warmed.
Another quintessentially Scottish sign that’s it’s Christmas is when the Edinburgh Christmas Market goes up. Stall after stall of local and European foods, crafts and a wide array of shopping lure folk from all over the country to the city for the six-week season of festive entertainment.
This market has been held for over 20 years now in the picturesque setting of East Princes Street Gardens. Open from 10am-10pm daily from the 17th November 2017 until the 8th of January 2018, this market really has something for everyone.
Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital city, is a popular tourist destination, and with its easily accessible international airport, it’s nae fuss at all to get to, no matter where you are in the world.
Table of Contents
TITAN TRAVEL’S 12 DAYS OF BLOGMAS
Titan Travel, one of the UK’s leading travel companies, is hosting a 12 Days of Blogmas campaign featuring twelve of the UK’s leading bloggers – we’ve all been challenged to share a recipe inspired by one of Europe’s famous Christmas markets. Given that I live in Scotland, I had to pick Edinburgh’s Christmas Market – but do visit Titan Travel to see what the other bloggers have been creating for the 12 Days of Blogmas and perhaps have a wee browse of some holiday destinations for this winter.
SCOTTISH SHORTBREAD COOKIES
In the meantime, here’s a traditional Scottish shortbread recipe all the way from the Shetland Islands to whet your appetite.
This recipe was given to me some time ago and it’s our favourite tried-and-true shortbread recipe. You can keep it really simple by mixing the ingredients and baking in an eight-inch square baking tin and then cutting the still-warm giant cookie into fingers or squares, as pictured above.
You could also if you wanted a crisper cookie, double bake them for an extra 15 minutes after you’ve cut them into fingers.
Alternatively, roll out the dough between two sheets of greaseproof paper, chill for half an hour and then cut into Christmas shapes.
Have you ever visited the Edinburgh Christmas Market? What did you think of it? Let me know in the comments!
Traditional All-Butter Scottish Shortbread Cookies
Ingredients
- 225 grams butter
- 225 grams plain flour (all purpose flour)
- 60 grams self-raising flour
- 85 grams caster sugar plus extra, to sprinkle
- 85 grams cornflour
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Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 170 C/ 325 F and grease and line an 8-inch square baking tin.
- Melt the butter in a small saucepan over a medium-low heat.
- Sift together the remaining ingredients in a large bowl and pour in the melted butter.
- Stir well to combine. Knead for a few seconds until it forms a soft dough and press into the base of the prepared tin. Prick the shortbread all over the top with the tines of a fork, sprinkle with caster sugar and bake in the centre of the oven for 25-35 minutes, until golden and crisp. While the shortbread is still warm, score out squares or fingers and leave to cool completely before removing from the tin.
- Alternatively, roll out the dough between two sheets of greaseproof paper to a thickness of 1 cm. Chill in the refrigerator for half an hour and then cut the dough into your desired shapes. Sprinkle with sugar, prick with a fork and bake in the centre of the oven for 25 minutes, until crisp.
- Store in an airtight tin.
Nutrition
Environmental Information
This is a sponsored post written as a part of Blogmas campaign, in partnership with Titan. All Edinburgh Christmas Market photos copyright Robin Barclay (@fremlander on Instagram). Thank you for supporting the brands who make it possible for me to do what I love: mess up my kitchen and share recipe stories.
Daydream adventurer. Expat Canadian. Foodie. Calls Shetland home, for now. One eye is always on the horizon.
C Newman says
Excellent recipe when I can find it. Easy to make and delicious!
Margaret Gallagher says
Has to be one of my favourites – cant beat shortbreads
Chloe Ciliberto says
I really, really want to go to scotland. We always buy shortbread cookies, but you’ve really made me want to make some now. These look so delicious! x
Cathryn - Little Paper Swans says
I adore shortbread! I’m definitely going to have to give this recipe a go!
Kristina Maggiora says
I wanna go to Edinburgh so bad, it’s on my travel bucket list! Ive seen so many vlogs of bloggers going there and it looks amazing x
Super Busy Mum says
I love shortbread and I have fond memories making batch after batch in my Dads flat many, MANY moons ago! My daughter now makes amazing shortbread – she’s making more for Christmas and I cannot wait!
Katie says
I love Edinburgh at Christmas. It’s so lovely!
I’ve never made shortbread before, I can’t believe I’ve got this massive gap in my baking knowledge. Best give those a try and fill that gaping hole haha!
Katie xoxo
Jazmin Williams says
Ah these look fantastic! Love making stuff like this. Also Edinburgh Christmas Market is on my bucket list!
Kimberley Copithorne says
Those shortbreads are gorgeous!!! I am going to for sure make these!
Kate - Gluten Free Alchemist says
Shortbread does seem to be one of those typically-received Christmas foodie gifts…..
I had no idea the Edinburgh Christmas market was so spectacular. Beautiful!
Sean@Diversivore says
I ADORE shortbread. Simply put, it’s one of the greatest cookies out there. I’m always amazed by the fantastic simplicity of the recipe. I’ve never put corn flour in my recipe though! I’m intrigued to know what role it serves.
Rezel says
Europe really does Christmas well. I love the markets there. It really feels more like Christmas than here in the US where it’s all about the shopping. And shortbread always reminds me of Christmas!
April says
I love shortbread cookies! I grew up eating so many during the holidays! Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without them!
Carmen says
This shortbread recipe came to me at the right time! I havea colkie exchange to go to next week. I will be trying these outfor it.
Jen says
My husband and I were just discussing the other day about a trip to Edinburgh for the market. I haven’t been in years, although my grown up son loves going yearly.
The shortbread reminds me of my Mother, who used to always make it at this time of year. It was the best ever. I used to help prick it and sprinkle sugar over it. So so good.
Stephanie says
I LOVE shortbread!! I definitely want to make these for Christmas 🙂
Martha Albers says
Whenever I have traveled to Scotland it has been in the spring and summer. I may need to change my seasons! Now I need to try these shortbread cookies this week!
Jenni says
We’ve just returned to Edinburgh, after six years away, and to be honest I was a bit shocked at how fun fair like and commercialised Edinburgh Christmas has become. Not how I remember it from before. I actually thought it was a lot more magical when it was smaller.
swathi says
This shortbread cookies looks so perfect with cup of tea. This is best and simple cookies we can make during holiday season. Love it.
Nichola - Globalmouse says
Oh gosh I love shortbread and we’re heading to Scotland next week so that’s now on my shopping list! I would love to have a go at making it with the kids too, love the sound of the recipe.
Susan R says
I’m such a fan of shortbread, this sounds delicious! We were in Edinburgh a few months ago and thought the food there was really tasty
Elizabeth | The Recipe Revival says
Such a simple and delicious recipe! I will have to try it soon 🙂
Ali || Veggies by Candlelight says
I’ve never made shortbread cookies. I never knew it had so few ingredients in it!
Kavita Favelle | Kavey Eats says
I agree, utterly love Scottish shortbread, there’s something so magical about a simple crumbly biscuit!! I love Christmas markets too, I loved the one I visited in Vilnius a few years ago.
Patty says
Shortbread cookies are my all time favorite cookies, was surprised that there is no salt in your recipe though, I’ll have to try your way!
Gingey Bites says
I love visiting a Christmas market – the one in Bath really helped me get into the festive mood when we visited last week. Your shortbread looks delicious too!
Jenni says
I’m going to give these a try, they would be delicious with a pot of tea. My cousin is going to Edinburgh next week, I’m very jealous x
Karyl | Karyl's Kulinary Krusade says
I love shortbread, and had no clue it requires so few ingredients! And it looks incredibly simple to make too. These are perfect on a cold winter morning with a cup of coffee
Joanna says
I never thought that I could make shortbread biscuits at home and that the recipe is so easy! I’d like to go and see the Edinburgh Christmas market, maybe next year.
Rashmi says
Your post brings back our memories of visiting Edinburgh for New year eve. We miss the wonderful Christmas market as well as the Hogmanay fireworks. We are definitely going to try these Scottish shortbread cookies this weekend
Nina says
We’re currently staying in Edinburgh and the market is fantastic – it’s HUGE! The one thing we have noticed is lots of traditional Scottish shortbread being sold in little gift shops so we thought it would be a lovely thing to give to family over Christmas however if we can make it ourselves, this might be a game changer!
kirsty says
I’ve only been to Edinburgh once and that was for New Year but I would love to visit the Christmas Market! I absolutely love scottish shortbread as it’s so buttery and so tasty, I’ve never made my own though and I feel in the mood to now x
Anne-Marie says
Love shortbread! Never made it myself so far but thanks to your recipe I will definitely bake them this Christmas!
Sophie's Nursery says
I LOVE shortbread, one of my all time favourites & I really enjoy baking it too 🙂 Edinburgh is on my list of places I want to visit at Xmas x
Riz | Chocolates & Chai says
I’d have to agree with you. Shortbread is one of the best things about this season…I lived in Durham (just about an hour south of Edinburgh), and the temptation to catch a bus up every week to grab myself something delicious was almost impossible to resist sometimes!
Melanie says
The Scottish Christmas Markets look lovely and so does that yummy homemade shortbread x
Gloria @ Homemade & Yummy says
It would not be Christmas without shortbread cookies. I will be making mine tomorrow. I usually make three types…and ALL are delicious. Certainly a must for the holidays.
Jenn says
What gorgeous pictures, Scotland is on my must visit list and Christmas would be a perfect time to go. These cookies sound delicious!
Catherine Brown says
Wow, there are few things better than Scottish shortbread! I really love infusing it with herbs and zest too! Thank you for sharing this beautiful account. 🙂
Maman de sara says
My kids would love some shortbread cookies, I should give your recipe a try.
Sarah Bailey says
Do you know I don’t think I’ve ever thought about making shortbread at home but what a great idea, I bet it tastes absolutely delicious as well. I think I might have to give your recipe a go!
Chrissy Faery says
Wow! Edinburgh Christmas market looks magical! I’ve never been to Edinburgh before, but one day I’d really love to go! Next week I’m off to Vienna to check out the Christmas markets there – It looks like it’ll be super cute and festive there too! xx
Chloe says
This is perfect! I lovee shortcake, I’m definitely going to try this recipe!
Michelle says
Oooh this is absolutely the best Christmas cookie ever!! They melt in your mouth and are so perfect. This Edinburgh Christmas market looks so beautiful and how festive and fun. Thank you for sharing your wonderful Christmas memories.
five little doves says
Oh I LOVE real shortbread especially at Christmas! It’s something that always reminds me of being younger!
Carrie says
What a gorgeous recipe and I love the pictures from the Christmas market. Happy holidays!!!
Lyndsey O'Halloran says
Shortbread is one of my absolute favourites. This looks delicious
John Franklin says
What an awesome recipe, I love shortbread. Although we live in Cologne, perhaps the spiritual home of the Christmas Markets always love coming back to Scotland and visiting the one in Edinburgh. First time at Hogmany as well this year.
Samantha Donnelly says
I love shortbread especially homemade, unfortunately I lost my recipe and the last few attempts I have tried have been a disaster. I have bookmarked this to try x
Emma says
Wow, Edniburgh is one of my favourite cities but I have never been at Christmas. That Christmas market looks amazing, all the lights are stunning! I love shortbread and yours looks yummy. I love mine with a cup of coffee, snuggled on the sofa. Bliss.
Colleen says
That Christmas market looks amazing! I plan to visit Scotland one day to connect with that side of my family, and now I think Christmas time would be the best time. I am a fan of traditional shortbread. Yours looks perfect!
Rhian Westbury says
When ever I head up to Scotland I always make sure I stock up on shortbread as it always tastes so nice x
Tammy says
Thanks for the recipe. I love shortbread cookies. I collect nutcrackers and display them at Christmas. I know I could find a beautiful one there.
Lisa says
Part of my family is actually from Scotland, but I’ve never visited and would love to, especially this amazing Christmas market. I’m putting this on my bucket list. The shortbread is going to happen sooner rather than later!
Meredith Kauffman says
My family loves shortbread cookies! I can’t wait to try these!
Helene says
Wow this recipe is just perfect for this season
Thanks for such a lovely recipe
London Mumma says
I’ve never been to Edingburgh, but it certainly does look festive, especially with those short bread biscuits.
Helen says
This recipe came at the perfect time because my husband asked if I could make some shortbread yesterday – I better get cooking! 🙂
Fritha Strickland says
oooooh I LOVE shortbread, its such a nostalgic sweet treat for me, need to make some this Christmas! x
Silvia says
‘Tis the season to bake all the cookies. 🙂
Shashi at Savory Spin says
The Edinburgh market sounds and looks delightful – love that its up for 6 whole weeks! And – love these delicious Scottish cookies too!
Kate says
Edinburgh is such an enchanting city. I’d love to go and visit a Christmas market there one day!
The comment above puzzles me as there are Christmas markets outside of Germany and some great ones at that! From Pargue to Bath, I’ve been to loads. Each have a special charm.
I’m happy to pay a markup on mulled wine to enjoy it outdoors in the atmosphere and support local stallholders working out in the cold. And Lidl’s Gluhwien is delicious!
Mairi says
You are definitely the kind of visitor Edinburgh’s Christmas Ltd are looking for then!
Mairi says
i think Edinburghs Christmas market is a huge rip off. Who wants a German experience in Scotlands capital? Even the mulled wine came out of wine boxes from Lidl (and then had an enormous mark up.)
edinburgh deserves better. Try the new pop up food market with music on Market Street nearby and shop at some of our unique shops in the Old Town.