I still remember the first time I bit into real Scottish shortbread. It was during a chilly winter trip to Edinburgh, where I stopped at a quaint little café to warm up. I ordered tea and a slice of shortbread, and I was absolutely hooked. The way it crumbled, the rich buttery texture, and that perfect balance of sweetness made it everything I didn’t know I was missing. When I got back home, I immediately started looking for a recipe that could match that experience. That’s when I came across Jamie Oliver’s Scottish Shortbread.
Jamie’s version spoke to me because it didn’t complicate something so beautifully simple. Just a few ingredients, no fancy tricks, and yet the result was exactly what I was craving. The first time I made it, I was skeptical. Could it really be that easy? But as the aroma of butter and sugar began to fill the kitchen, I knew I had found something special.
Since then, this shortbread has become a constant in my kitchen. I make it when friends come over, when I want a cozy night in with a cup of tea, or even as gifts during the holidays. And each time, it takes me back to that little Scottish café.
If you’ve never made shortbread at home, I promise this recipe will change that. It’s the perfect blend of tradition and simplicity, and I can’t wait to share exactly how I make it. Whether you follow Jamie’s original to the letter or put your own twist on it, this shortbread is bound to bring joy to anyone who takes a bite.
What is Jamie Oliver Scottish Shortbread Recipe?
This recipe is Jamie Oliver’s take on the traditional Scottish treat: rich, buttery shortbread made with flour, sugar, and butter. The texture is crumbly and tender, with a slightly crisp edge, and the flavor is deeply satisfying in its simplicity. It’s a timeless biscuit perfect for tea time or dessert.
Why you should try this recipe?
You should try this recipe because it proves that something delicious doesn’t have to be complicated. It uses pantry staples, requires minimal prep, and delivers that nostalgic shortbread experience you might only expect from a bakery. It’s also a wonderful entry point into baking if you’re new to the kitchen.
Ingredients needed to make Jamie Oliver Scottish Shortbread
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250g plain flour
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75g caster sugar (plus extra for sprinkling)
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175g unsalted butter, at room temperature
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A pinch of salt
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Optional: 1 tsp vanilla extract or zest of half a lemon for a flavor twist
Instruction to make Jamie Oliver Scottish Shortbread
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Preheat your oven to 170°C (325°F). Grease and line a 20cm square baking tin.
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In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, and a pinch of salt.
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Add the butter and rub it into the dry ingredients using your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
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Knead it gently into a smooth dough, but don’t overwork it.
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Press the dough evenly into the tin, smoothing the top with your fingers or the back of a spoon.
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Prick the surface lightly with a fork, then bake for 30–35 minutes or until pale golden.
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Once out of the oven, sprinkle a little caster sugar on top while still warm.
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Let it cool in the tin for about 10 minutes before cutting into fingers or wedges.
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Allow to cool completely on a wire rack before serving or storing.
Jamie Oliver Scottish Shortbread Recipe
Equipment
- Oven
Ingredients
- 250 g plain flour
- 75 g caster sugar plus extra for sprinkling
- 175 g unsalted butter at room temperature
- A pinch of salt
- Optional: 1 tsp vanilla extract or zest of half a lemon for a flavor twist
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 170°C (325°F). Grease and line a 20cm square baking tin.
- In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, and a pinch of salt.
- Add the butter and rub it into the dry ingredients using your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
- Knead it gently into a smooth dough, but don’t overwork it.
- Press the dough evenly into the tin, smoothing the top with your fingers or the back of a spoon.
- Prick the surface lightly with a fork, then bake for 30–35 minutes or until pale golden.
- Once out of the oven, sprinkle a little caster sugar on top while still warm.
- Let it cool in the tin for about 10 minutes before cutting into fingers or wedges.
- Allow to cool completely on a wire rack before serving or storing.
Notes
- Always use good quality butter as it makes all the difference in flavor.
- Don’t skip chilling the dough briefly if your kitchen is warm; it helps the texture.
- Be careful not to overbake; it should be pale golden, not browned.
- Sift the flour before using for an extra-light texture.
Nutritional value
Per piece (based on 12 servings):- Calories: ~180
- Fat: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Sugar: 6g
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Protein: 2g
Note: These are estimates and can vary based on portion size and ingredients.
What goes well with Jamie Oliver Scottish Shortbread
This shortbread is fantastic with a hot cup of tea or coffee. I also enjoy pairing it with fruit preserves, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For special occasions, try serving it alongside a cheese board with mild cheeses as it’s unexpectedly delicious.
My tips to make the best Jamie Oliver Scottish Shortbread
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Always use good quality butter as it makes all the difference in flavor.
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Don’t skip chilling the dough briefly if your kitchen is warm; it helps the texture.
-
Be careful not to overbake; it should be pale golden, not browned.
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Sift the flour before using for an extra-light texture.
Easy variations of Jamie Oliver Scottish Shortbread
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Add a handful of chopped nuts like pecans or almonds.
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Mix in dark chocolate chips for a sweeter twist.
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Use brown sugar instead of white for a deeper caramel note.
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Infuse the dough with lavender or orange zest for an aromatic version.
Best way to store Jamie Oliver Scottish Shortbread
Store the shortbread in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays fresh for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked shortbread; just let it cool completely and separate layers with parchment paper.
Nutritional value
Per piece (based on 12 servings):
-
Calories: ~180
-
Fat: 11g
-
Carbohydrates: 18g
-
Sugar: 6g
-
Protein: 2g
Note: These are estimates and can vary based on portion size and ingredients.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter?
Yes, but reduce or skip the added salt in the recipe.
Can I make this gluten-free?
You can use a gluten-free flour blend, though the texture may differ slightly.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, wrap it tightly in cling film and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before baking.
Can I bake this in a round tin?
Absolutely. Just adjust the cutting style to wedges instead of fingers.
Conclusion
Baking Jamie Oliver’s Scottish Shortbread has become more than just a kitchen activity for me. It’s a ritual that brings calm, satisfaction, and a sense of connection to tradition. There’s something incredibly grounding about creaming butter and sugar, kneading a soft dough, and watching it transform into golden, crumbly perfection.
Every time I make it, I think back to that day in Edinburgh. It’s funny how food can transport us, isn’t it? One bite of this shortbread takes me right back to that cozy café, the sound of rain on the windows, and the comfort of a warm drink in hand. Now, I get to recreate that feeling in my own home and share it with others.
This shortbread is more than a sweet treat. It’s a symbol of simplicity done right. It reminds me that you don’t need complicated ingredients or fancy techniques to create something special. All it takes is a little love, a bit of patience, and a good recipe. Jamie’s version captures that philosophy perfectly, and it’s why I keep coming back to it time and again.
Whether you’re baking it for yourself, your family, or as a gift for someone else, this shortbread never disappoints. It stores beautifully, travels well, and makes any moment feel a bit more indulgent. So the next time you find yourself craving something sweet, warm, and familiar, give this recipe a try. I promise it’s a keeper.
