There’s nothing quite like the buttery, crumbly goodness of Walkers Shortbread. I’ve always loved enjoying these classic Scottish treats with a warm cup of tea, and I wanted to bring that same rich flavor into my own kitchen.
Recreating this beloved snack is simpler than you might think, and the results are just as satisfying as the originals. Whether you’re looking to indulge in a favorite childhood memory or impress your friends with homemade goodies, this copycat recipe is perfect for any occasion.
Let’s dive in and bake some delicious shortbread that captures the essence of Walkers right at home.
Ingredients
To recreate the perfect Walkers Shortbread at home, gather the following ingredients:
- Unsalted Butter, 1 cup (227 grams), softened
- Granulated Sugar, 1/2 cup (100 grams)
- All-Purpose Flour, 2 cups (240 grams)
- Cornstarch, 1/4 cup (30 grams)
- Salt, 1/4 teaspoon
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best texture and consistency in your shortbread.
Equipment
To recreate the perfect Walkers Shortbread at home, make sure you have the following equipment on hand:
| Equipment | Description |
|---|---|
| Mixing Bowl | A large bowl for combining and mixing the ingredients smoothly. |
| Electric Mixer | Stand or hand mixer to cream the butter and sugar effectively. |
| Measuring Cups & Spoons | For precise measurements of ingredients to ensure the right texture. |
| Sifter or Fine Mesh Sieve | To aerate the flour and cornstarch, preventing lumps in the dough. |
| Rolling Pin | Rolls out the dough evenly to the desired thickness. |
| Baking Sheet | A flat surface for baking the shortbread; preferably non-stick. |
| Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat | Lines the baking sheet to prevent sticking and ease cleanup. |
| Knife or Cookie Cutter | Cuts the rolled dough into uniform shapes for even baking. |
| Spatula | Helps transfer the dough without breaking it. |
| Cooling Rack | Allows the shortbread to cool completely, maintaining crispness. |
Having these tools ready will streamline the baking process and help you achieve that signature Walkers Shortbread texture and flavor.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Preparing your Walkers Shortbread in advance ensures you always have a delightful treat ready to enjoy. Follow these steps to make the process seamless:
Preparing the Dough Ahead
- Mix the Dough
- Cream 1 cup of unsalted butter with 1/2 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of cornstarch, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
- Mix until the dough comes together.
- Shape the Dough
- Press the dough evenly into your prepared baking pan or shape it into logs for later slicing.
- Wrap and Store
- Refrigerate: Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: For longer storage, wrap the dough in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place it in a freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Baking from Frozen or Refrigerated Dough
- Thawing
- Refrigerated Dough: Allow the dough to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking.
- Frozen Dough: Move the dough from the freezer to the refrigerator the night before baking. If time is limited, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Baking
- Preheat your oven as directed in the recipe.
- If you’re slicing frozen logs, add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Bake until the shortbread is lightly golden around the edges.
Storage After Baking
Once baked and completely cooled, store your shortbread in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Storage Times at a Glance
| Storage Method | Duration |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated Dough | Up to 3 days |
| Frozen Dough | Up to 3 months |
| Baked Shortbread | |
| • Room Temperature | Up to 2 weeks |
| • Freezer | Up to 3 months |
By following these make-ahead steps, you can enjoy perfect Walkers Shortbread whenever the craving strikes without compromising on quality or flavor.
Instructions
Follow these steps to recreate the perfect Walkers Shortbread at home. Each stage is essential for achieving that authentic taste and texture.
Prepare the Dough
- Cream the Butter and Sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of unsalted butter and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar.
- Use an electric mixer on medium speed to cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Sift and Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, sift together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of cornstarch, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter and sugar, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Form the Dough
- Gather the dough into a ball, then flatten it into a disk.
- Wrap the disk in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up, which makes it easier to handle.
Shape the Shortbread
- Prepare the Baking Pan
- Line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat, ensuring the paper hangs over the edges for easy removal.
- Roll Out the Dough
- On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough to a thickness of about 1/2 inch.
- Transfer the rolled dough to the prepared baking pan, pressing it evenly into the corners.
- Cut the Shortbread
- Use a sharp knife or cookie cutter to score the dough into desired shapes, such as rectangles or fingers.
- If making rectangles, score lines should be about 1 inch apart.
Bake the Shortbread
- Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 325°F (163°C) and allow it to fully preheat before baking.
- Bake the Dough
- Place the baking pan in the center of the oven.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
- Monitor for Perfection
- Keep an eye on the shortbread during the last few minutes to prevent overbaking, ensuring a tender crumb.
Cool and Serve
- Initial Cooling
- Remove the baking pan from the oven and let the shortbread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
- Cut and Transfer
- Carefully lift the shortbread out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang.
- Transfer the dough to a cutting board and use a knife to complete the scoring into individual pieces.
- Final Cooling
- Allow the shortbread to cool completely on a wire rack to achieve the perfect texture.
- Serve or Store
- Enjoy the shortbread immediately or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
Storage Tips
Proper storage ensures your homemade Walkers Shortbread stays fresh and delicious. Here are my top tips to maintain the perfect texture and flavor:
Storing Baked Shortbread
- Room Temperature:
Keep your shortbread in an airtight container at room temperature.
It stays fresh for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezing:
Place shortbread in a freezer-safe container or wrap individually in plastic wrap.
It maintains quality for up to 3 months.
Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Storing Unbaked Dough
- Refrigeration:
Wrap the dough disk tightly in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator.
It’s good for up to 3 days.
- Freezing:
Divide the dough into portions, wrap each tightly, and place in a freezer-safe bag.
The dough can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Tips for Best Results
| Storage Method | Duration |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Up to 2 weeks |
| Freezing (Baked) | Up to 3 months |
| Refrigeration (Dough) | Up to 3 days |
| Freezing (Dough) | Up to 3 months |
- Airtight Containers:
Use airtight containers or resealable bags to prevent moisture and odors from affecting your shortbread.
- Labeling:
Label your containers with the date to keep track of freshness.
- Avoid Direct Sunlight:
Store your shortbread in a cool, dark place to maintain its quality.
By following these storage tips, you can enjoy your Walkers Shortbread copycat treat anytime without compromising on taste or texture.
Conclusion
Baking Walkers Shortbread at home has been a fun and satisfying journey for me. Seeing simple ingredients transform into this classic treat always brings a smile. I hope you’ll try this copycat recipe and enjoy the rich buttery flavor just as much as I do. Whether you’re sharing with loved ones or savoring a quiet moment, homemade shortbread adds a special touch to any occasion. Happy baking!
