500g of unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
900ml cup of all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional: 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for added flavor
1/2 cup of rice powder
1/2 cup of corn flour
1/2 cup of Fine shredded coconut
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Before you start, make sure you have all your ingredients ready. There’s nothing worse than getting halfway through a recipe and realizing you’re missing a key component.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). This ensures that your shortbread bakes evenly and achieves that perfect golden-brown hue.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This can be done with a hand mixer or a stand mixer with the paddle attachment.
Step 4: Add Flavor (Optional)
For an extra layer of flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Blend it in thoroughly.
Step 5: Sift the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour and salt. Sifting helps remove any lumps and ensures an even distribution of ingredients.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tougher texture.
Step 7: Shape the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Shape it into a ball and flatten it into a disk. You can also roll it out to your desired thickness (typically around 1/2 inch).
Step 8: Cut Into Shapes
Use cookie cutters or a sharp knife to cut the shortbread into your preferred shapes. Traditional shapes include rounds, rectangles, or wedges.
Step 9: Prick With a Fork
To prevent the shortbread from puffing up during baking, use a fork to prick each cookie. This also adds a classic decorative touch.
Step 10: Bake to Perfection
Place the cut shortbread on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking.
Step 11: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the shortbread to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, Shortbread is ready to be enjoyed!
