Scottish Shortbread

Great with a warm cup of tea.

Unbalanced

% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F. Have ready a 9-inch square baking pan.

Step 2

Sift together the flour and salt into a bowl. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the butter on medium-high speed until fluffy and pale yellow, about 3 minutes. Add confectioners' sugar and 1/4 cup granulated sugar and beat until the mixture is well combined, then beat in the vanilla. On low speed, gradually add the flour mixture and beat just until blended.

Step 3

Using lightly floured fingertips, press the dough into the baking pan in an even layer. Sprinkle the surface evenly with the remaining 1 tablespoon granulated sugar.

Step 4

Bake the shortbread until edges are golden, about 1 hour. Remove from the oven and, using a thin-bladed, sharp knife, immediately cut the shortbread into 12-16 bars. Using a fork, decorate each bar with a pattern of dots. Let cool in the pan on a wire rack for 30 minutes, then carefully transfer the bars to the rack and let cool completely.