Few treats can match the timeless charm of homemade shortbread — rich with butter, delicately crumbly, and undeniably comforting. Whether you're an avid home baker or a busy gift-giver looking for a shortcut, this recipe delivers an authentic Scottish experience right from your kitchen.
And if baking’s not on your schedule? No worries — we’ll also introduce a shortcut to Lowrey’s premium shortbread collection, made using a 100-year-old recipe.
1. Why Homemade Shortbread Still Wins Hearts
Shortbread is beloved for its minimalism and rich flavour. With just four simple ingredients, you can recreate a traditional Scottish classic:
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Unsalted butter
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Powdered sugar
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All-purpose flour
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A pinch of sea salt
“Shortbread was once a royal delicacy — and today, it still feels like a bite of celebration.”
Pro Tip: Use grass-fed or cultured butter for the richest taste. That’s the same secret behind the incredible flavour of our Lowrey shortbread tins.
2. Foolproof Homemade Shortbread Recipe
Ingredients
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1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
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½ cup (60g) powdered sugar
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2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
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¼ tsp sea salt
Instructions
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Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
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Add flour and salt gradually.
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Press dough into a square or round baking tin. Prick the surface with a fork.
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Chill for 30 minutes.
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Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 35–40 minutes or until light golden.
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Cool slightly, cut into fingers or wedges, and dust with sugar.
Why it works: Chilling helps keep the shape and creates the crumbly, tender texture we all love.
3. Make It Special: Expert Tips from Scottish Tradition
Want your homemade shortbread to taste like it’s from a bakery in Edinburgh? Here’s how:
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Choose high-fat butter (European or cultured for 84% fat content).
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Keep it low and slow – bake at lower temperatures to avoid browning.
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Personalise it – add lemon zest, vanilla, or even lavender for a signature twist.
Or, skip the oven altogether and treat yourself to Lowrey’s Signature Shortbread Collection — baked using a recipe from 1923.
4. From Homemade to Gift-Ready
Shortbread isn’t just delicious — it’s a heartfelt gift. Try these presentation ideas:
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Wrap in parchment and twine, then place in a metal tin or gift box.
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Add a handwritten tag: “Made with love — Scottish style.”
Don’t have time to bake?
Choose from our ready-to-gift Lowrey Shortbread Tins — elegant, delicious, and perfect for every occasion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I freeze homemade shortbread dough?
Yes! Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before baking.
Q: What’s the difference between shortbread and butter cookies?
Butter cookies usually contain more butter, which gives them a softer, creamier texture that melts in your mouth. Shortbread, on the other hand, is firmer and more crumbly, often less sweet and more dense.
If you love a luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth bite — try Lowrey’s butter cookies. If you prefer a classic, structured treat — go for our authentic Scottish shortbread.
Q: Are Lowrey cookies vegetarian-friendly?
Absolutely. Our cookies are lacto-vegetarian and made without artificial flavours, preservatives, or animal-based additives.
