Almond Shortbread

Shortbread is another one of those recipes which I only ever make at Christmas time – which is probably a good thing for my waistline!  Whenever I make it, I can never resist sampling a piece or two as there is nothing like biting into the buttery goodness that is homemade shortbread.

I’ve been making my Mum’s Shortbread recipe for years now, however this year I decided to try something a little different and add almonds to the mix.

The only problem with making this Almond Shortbread is that it’s even harder to resist than regular shortbread! If you can stop yourself at just one piece you have more self control than me!  As well as being the perfect Christmas treat to enjoy with friends and family, this Almond Shortbread also makes a great gift and I’ve already got plans to give some to our boys teachers.

My top tips for making shortbread are:

• Always roll your Shortbread dough on a cool bench as it will stick otherwise. I try to only make it early in the mornings or if I’ve got our air conditioner turned on.
• Divide your dough into two balls and place one (which has been wrapped in cling wrap) into the fridge while you are rolling the other. This helps the dough to stay cool and not dry out.
• Your cooking time will vary depending on the size of the cookie cutters that you use. It’s a good idea to check your Shortbread after 10 minutes of baking time and then again every two minutes as it doesn’t take long to overcook.

Print Recipe

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Almond Shortbread

Prep Time20 mins

Cook Time12 mins

Total Time32 mins

Course: Christmas

Servings: 24

Author: Lauren

Ingredients

• 250 g softened butter
• 125 g caster sugar
• 25 g rice flour
• 5 drops of vanilla essence
• 375 g plain flour
• 120 g of slivered almonds

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 190 degrees.
• Beat together the butter, sugar and rice flour until the mixture turns white. Add a few drops of vanilla essence and continue to beat.
• Gradually add the flour to the mixture, while mixing on a low speed and then add the slivered almonds and continue to mix until a paste forms.
• Turn mixture onto a cool bench dusted with flour and work until a smooth ball forms - I find it easiest to split the mixture into two balls and place one in the fridge, covered in glad wrap.
• Roll almond shortbread mixture until it's approximately 1cm thick and use cookie cutter of your choice to cut out the shapes.
• Repeat until you have used all of the almond shortbread mixture.
• Bake in oven for approx 12 minutes until edges start to turn a golden brown

1. Preheat your oven to 190 degrees and line two baking tray with baking paper.
2. Place all of your ingredients into your Thermomix bowl and mix for 10 seconds on speed 6.
3. Use the kneading function and mix for a further 20 seconds or until the almond shortbread mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
4. Pour the mixture onto your Thermomat or a lightly floured work bench and knead until shortbread dough is smooth.
5. Split your dough into two and cover half with cling wrap and place in the fridge.
6. Roll the almond shortbread mixture until it’s approximately 1cm thick and use cookie cutter of your choice to cut out the shapes.
7. Repeat until you have used all of the almond shortbread mixture.
8. Bake in oven for approx 12 minutes until edges of the almond shortbread begin to turn golden brown.

Do you only make Shortbread at Christmas time too?