>> I've never made shortbread before, I think this will be my intro. <<
It's an excellent choice. This is the best-behaved shortbread base recipe I've found. It makes tender, delicious cookies that melt in your mouth and you can modify flavors or mix-ins freely.
>> But I do need to recalibrate my oven first since I replaced my baking element before I do any serious baking. <<
Good idea. In that case I'll add: be careful not to overbake shortbread. Its appearance changes very little while cooking. When done, it should be firm to the touch and just barely starting to turn golden at the corners. If it's still soft, it's not done yet. If it's hard or browning, it's overdone. So if you're not confident of your baking element, consider setting the timer shorter and checking at 5-minute intervals.
Some people like to chill the dough before rolling it out, but I find that leads to cracks. If it's too gooshy for a rolling pin, I just pat it with my hands. Easier to make square corners by hand than with a pin anyhow.
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dancing_serpent
Go for it!
Date: 2022-01-23 06:44 pm (UTC)Thanks.
>> I've never made shortbread before, I think this will be my intro. <<
It's an excellent choice. This is the best-behaved shortbread base recipe I've found. It makes tender, delicious cookies that melt in your mouth and you can modify flavors or mix-ins freely.
>> But I do need to recalibrate my oven first since I replaced my baking element before I do any serious baking. <<
Good idea. In that case I'll add: be careful not to overbake shortbread. Its appearance changes very little while cooking. When done, it should be firm to the touch and just barely starting to turn golden at the corners. If it's still soft, it's not done yet. If it's hard or browning, it's overdone. So if you're not confident of your baking element, consider setting the timer shorter and checking at 5-minute intervals.
Some people like to chill the dough before rolling it out, but I find that leads to cracks. If it's too gooshy for a rolling pin, I just pat it with my hands. Easier to make square corners by hand than with a pin anyhow.