How to Make Shortbread

How to Make a Shortbread Crust

While it’s delicious on it’s own, shortbread also makes a wonderful crust. It works perfectly with many different desserts, such as pies, tarts, and cheesecakes. For those who dislike graham cracker crusts, one made from shortbread is a perfect solution. 

My own family loves a shortbread crust paired with cheesecake or tofu cheesecake. If you have any shortbread dough left over that won’t fit into your baking pan, simply roll it out and make it into shortbread cookies. You can bake them right alongside your cheesecake or pie. 

What you need: 

4 Tablespoons of sugar

8 Tablespoons of butter

3/4 cup of plain flour

Pinch of salt

What you do:

1. Warm the oven to 325 ℉.

2. Sift the salt and flour together. 

3. Use your hands to mix in the butter, until the dough resembles fine breadcrumbs. 

4. Add sugar and knead until the mixture binds together well. 

5. Now put the dough on a lightly floured surface and press into a rounded shape. Use a rolling pin if you like, although simply pressing with your hands will work just fine. 

6. Bake for about 10-15 and let cool. Add your filling and finish baking. 

7. If you would prefer to just bake it as a crust, then bake until the crust is colored lightly and firm. This can take around half an hour to 45 minutes depending on your oven. 

Tip: Depending on the size of the pan you are using, you may find that this makes too much dough for one crust. If that’s the case, simply separate the dough and freeze what you don’t use for another day.