Burrebrede (Scottish Shortbread)

This is a medieval Scottish shortbread recipe. It has been a holiday favorite for my family and friends for years. The shortbread keeps very well in an airtight tin or tightly wrapped in tinfoil.

Original recipe makes 6 servings

Ingredients

1/2 cup superfine sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
3/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1 cup butter, softened

  • PREP

    20 mins

  • COOK

    30 mins

  • READY IN

    50 mins

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  2. In a medium bowl, stir together the sugar, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, allspice and salt. Divide into two equal parts, and set one aside. Add the flour and butter to the other half, and stir until blended. It should be slightly grainy.
  3. Press the dough evenly into an 8 inch square pan. Cut into 1×2 inch pieces using a knife, and prick with the tines of a fork. This will keep the shortbread from warping while baking. Sprinkle the reserved sugar and spice liberally over the top, brushing into all of the cuts and holes.
  4. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes in the preheated oven, or until firm and golden at the edges. Do not brown. Cool completely in the pan, and break into pieces along the lines to serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 567 kcal
Carbohydrates: 65.4 g
Cholesterol: 81 mg
Fat: 31.3 g
Fiber: 2.2 g
Protein: 6.9 g
Sodium: 413 mg