This Irish Shortbread cookie recipe is so easy to make. But there are a few secrets that you need to know.
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SHORTBREAD COOKIES FOR ST. PATRICK’S DAY
We made Irish shortbread for St. Patrick’s day, served on Irish Belleek china with Assam tea, a tea commonly served in Ireland. The perfect thing for catching a leprechaun.
This is a popular cookie in England, Scotland and Ireland. In Ireland, there is a version called Petticoat Tails that are named this because they are baked in a circle and look like a petticoat when a wedge is cut from the circle. We used a tart pan to achieve the scalloped edges of the cookies so they would look like petticoats.
TIPS FOR MAKING SHORTBREAD
Shortbread requires only a few ingredients and comes together in minutes, so it is really easy to make. But the method and ingredients are a bit different from cookies that start by creaming butter and sugar together. They are made using what is called a “reverse creaming” method, and then baked in a round pan on a lower temperature for a long time.
- Use the best Ingredients – we list the brands in the recipe for a reason.
- Corn starch is added because it decreases the amount of protein in the dry ingredients and makes the cookies more tender.
- They are made using a reverse creaming method – the dry ingredients are mixed together and then the butter is added cold.
- Measure all the ingredients by weight – it’s more accurate and much easier.
- Use a tart pan with a removable bottom to give the cookies shape and make it easier to remove them from the pan once they are cooled.
- Use a cake pan to flatten the cookies before baking.
- Remove the center by placing a cookie cutter in the center and poke holes in them to let them bake more evenly.
- Bake the cookies for a longer time at a lower temperature, just until they start to brown.
- Allow them to cool completely before unmolding them.
INGREDIENTS FOR THE BEST SHORTBREAD COOKIE RECIPE
Use thebest ingredients. We have listed thebrands for some of the ingredientsbecause ingredients are everything. We have found that these brands give superior results. And by using brands like Horizon dairy products and organic sugarwe cut our carbon footprint in halfand are helping to control climate change.
FLOUR
Gold Medal Unbleached All Purpose Flourhas a lower protein amount than some all purpose flours – 10.5 percent protein. This is a good flour for baking cookies, since it makes them more tender. In addition, the company ensures that the protein content is carefully calibrated, so you get consistent results. Also, it is important to use the unbleached flour.
SUGAR
We useWholesome organic sugar, because it is produced from sugar cane fields that are green cut and are not burned or treated with herbicides or synthetic fertilizers. Burning sugar cane fields contributes to air pollution andclimate change, and is a major cause of the destruction of the rain forest. Buying sugar from fields that are green cut helps prevent this destruction. The sugar also has a better taste because of how it is produced, but mostly we use it because it is a sustainable choice. It is more expensive than buying the standard brands, but the difference is only a few cents per recipe, so it’s worth it. We also save money bybuying this in bulkdirect from the company andstoring it in jars in the pantry.
SALT
We like the quality ofDiamond Kosher saltand don’t want the iodine taste. The weight and structure of salt varies between brands so it is important to choose a salt and stick with it to be consistent.
BUTTER
We useHorizon Organicbutter. We think Horizon products taste better than any other dairy products we have tried. This is probably because the products are organic and from family farming partners. Just as important, Horizon is acertified B corporationthat has committed to becomingcarbon positive across their entire supply chain by 2025.
No Affiliates Statement
We call this our “no affiliates” statement because we accept no advertising, have no affiliates and accept no payment. We are not paid to mention brands – we just love buying the best, sharing that information and saving the planet at the same time. The effort put into writing and photographing the blog is solely based on our dedication to the cause.
After the cookies are cooled, they can be decorated with powdered sugar sifted over a stencil for a more formal presentation.
Irish shortbread for St. Patrick’s day, served with Assam tea (Irish breakfast tea). Like we said – the perfect bait for the leprechaun trap.
HOW THESE IRISH SHORTBREAD COOKIES FIT INTO OUR PLAN TO EAT BETTER
We have listed the brands for some of the ingredients because ingredients are everything, especially in something small like cookies. We have found that these brands give superior results. And by eating a plant based diet and using brands that are ethically sourced and sustainable,we cut our carbon footprint in halfand are helping to control climate change.
Photos by Tony Fitzgerald Photography