The Best Scottish Shortbread

Ingredients and Weight:

• Unsalted Butter: 1 cup (2 sticks)
• Golden Sugar: 1/2 cup
• All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups
• Oats: 1/2 cup (optional, for topping)

Preparation Time:

• Total Time: 1 hour (including cooling time)
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Cream together the butter and sugar until smooth.
3. Add the flour and mix well. The dough will be quite sticky.
4. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease lightly with butter.
5. Roll out the dough onto the baking sheet to form a rectangle or circle. You can also press it out with your hands.
6. If desired, sprinkle oats evenly on top of the dough.
7. Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown around the edges.
8. Remove from the oven and let cool completely before cutting into pieces.

Nutritional Information: (Per serving, assuming 8 servings total)

• Calories: 350-400 (depending on the exact ingredients used)
• Fat: 20-25g
• Carbohydrates: 40-50g
• Protein: 5-7g

Dish Characteristics:

• This shortbread is crispy and buttery with a sweet taste that will please most American palates. The oats add a unique crunchy texture.
• It is a traditional Scottish cookie that is perfect for afternoon tea or as a snack.

User Comments:

1. "This shortbread is amazing! The texture is perfect, not too hard and not too soft."
2. "I love the oats in this cookie, they give it a nice crunch."
3. "This recipe is easy to follow and the results are delicious."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Make sure to use room temperature butter for the best texture.
• For best results, use high-quality ingredients like good quality butter and sugar.
• This shortbread is quite rich, so it's best served in small portions. Store leftovers in an airtight container.