Jeree Cunningham’s Shortbread

📜 Collection: UK3 | ✍️ Attribution: Jeree Cunningham | 📂 Category: Desserts A classic, rich, and buttery shortbread recipe featuring instructions for both pressed cookies and traditional Scottish rounds. This archival recipe emphasizes the use of high-quality real butter for the best texture.


Prep TimeCook TimeInactive / Chill TimeYield / Servings
15 mins35 mins1 hour6-8 dozen cookies

🔪 Key Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Cookie press
  • Baking sheet
  • Round cake pan
  • Fork

Ingredients

MeasurementsIngredientsPrep / Notes
1 pound (4 sticks)ButterSoftened, real butter only
5 cupsFlourAll-purpose
1/4 cupPowdered SugarSifted
1 tablespoonRice FlourOptional, for sandier texture

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

  1. In a large bowl, mix the 1 pound (4 sticks) butter and 1/4 cup powdered sugar until well combined.
  2. Gradually blend in the 5 cups flour and optional 1 tablespoon rice flour with your hands, kneading until a stiff dough forms.

Step 2: Individual Cookies

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. Press the dough through a cookie press or roll out and cut into shapes on an ungreased cookie sheet.
  3. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are a very light golden brown and fragrant.

Step 3: Traditional Scottish Round

  1. Pat the dough into a round, flat disc about ½-inch thick in a pan or on a baking sheet.
  2. Crimp edges, pierce the surface with a fork, and score into wedges.
  3. Chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
  4. Preheat oven to 350°F and bake for 25-35 minutes until slightly brown.
  5. Cut through the scored lines while still hot from the oven.

💡 Make-Ahead & Storage: The dough can be prepared and chilled for up to 24 hours before baking, or the baked cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.


Original Recipe Scan

Original Handwritten Card