Classic Scottish Butter Shortbread Fingers
Buttery, crumbly Scottish shortbread cut into fingers, perfect for tea time or a simple sweet snack. This scottish-inspired desserts ready in about 50 minutes layers all-purpose flour, unsalted butter, softened, granulated sugar into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 200 calories and feeds 12, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup softened unsalted butter and 1/2 cup granulated sugar with an electric mixer until pale and fluffy, about 4 minutes.
- Step 2: Mix in 1 tsp vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, combine 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup cornstarch, and 1/4 tsp salt.
- Step 3: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Step 4: Press the dough evenly into a parchment-lined 9x9-inch baking pan. Prick the surface lightly with a fork.
- Step 5: Bake for 30-35 minutes until the edges are just golden. Remove from oven and while still warm, score into 12 fingers. Let cool completely in the pan before removing and serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Classic Scottish Butter Shortbread Fingers take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Classic Scottish Butter Shortbread Fingers?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Classic Scottish Butter Shortbread Fingers?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Classic Scottish Butter Shortbread Fingers for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Classic Scottish Butter Shortbread Fingers?
Scottish desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
