What Makes a Great Shortbread Cookie?
Scottish in origin, shortbread cookies are a beloved classic, revered for their simple ingredients and buttery taste. Since their overall flavor is relatively subdued, shortbread cookies provide an ideal pairing for coffee, tea, or ice cream. The best shortbread cookie has two defining characteristics: simplicity and freshness. Shortbread cookies are made from three fundamental ingredients—butter, sugar, and flour—and with so few components, each element should be distinguishable in the aroma. Depending on the specific recipe, you may also be able to smell vanilla or almond. The flavor of a great shortbread cookie will mirror the aroma. In other words, you should actually taste all the ingredients you smell—sweet dairy, slightly caramelized sugar, and toasted flour. When you first bite into it, the ideal shortbread cookie will be crispy with a sandy texture that offers a soft, melting quality while dissolving in your mouth.
