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Butterscotch Shortbread

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The History of Butterscotch:

Butterscotch is made with the primary ingredients of brown sugar and butter. The earliest known recipes in mid 19th century Yorkshire used molasses in place of (or in addition to) sugar.

Butterscotch can be traced back to Doncaster (Yorkshire, England). It’s credited to Samuel Parkinson, a confectioner who began making it as a hard candy in 1817. He originally created and marketed it at “buttery brittle toffee.” Tins of butterscotch were given to and enjoyed by Queen Victoria in 1851.

How did butterscotch get its name? Some say that it may have come from the word, “scorched.” Others say it has Scottish origins.

ingredients displayed for making butterscotch shortbread

Ingredients needed:

  • unsalted butter
  • brown sugar
  • white sugar
  • all purpose flour
  • salt
  • flaky sea salt (optional)
three photos sharing how to make dough and form butterscotch shortbread

How to make Butterscotch Shortbread:

The complete, printable recipe is at the end of this post.

  1. Preheat the oven to 300°F.
  2. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to combine the butter and sugars. Stir in the flour and salt until mixed in completely.
  3. On a lightly floured cloth-covered board, roll out the dough to ¼-inch thickness. Cut into small shapes (squares would be great).
  4. Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 20 to 25 minutes.
butterscotch shortbread squares

Shortbread is a pretty amazing, simple dessert. Made with just a few ingredients, the buttery flavor will have you drooling.

butterscotch shortbread squares on a platter

The butterscotch flavor in this shortbread is nothing short of delicious. These are a beautiful sweet treat to keep on hand to munch on while sipping coffee or tea, and they’re a nice dessert to display at a party or holiday celebration too. Enjoy!

four butterscotch shortbread squares stacked

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