How to make shortcrust pastry for cookies

Shortcrust pastry is a versatile and delicious base for various baked treats, including cookies. Perfect for buttery, crumbly, and melt-in-your-mouth cookies, shortcrust pastry is easy to make and requires just a few simple ingredients. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into how to make shortcrust pastry for cookies!

Ingredients:
– 250g all-purpose flour
– 125g unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
– 50g caster sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
– A pinch of salt

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by measuring out all the ingredients precisely. It is essential to use cold unsalted butter as it will give your pastry its characteristic flakiness. Cube the butter and return it to the refrigerator while you prepare the other ingredients.

Step 2: Sift and Mix
Sift the flour into a large mixing bowl and add in the caster sugar and a pinch of salt. These ingredients will help enhance the flavor and texture of your shortcrust pastry. Mix them together until well combined.

Step 3: Cut in the Butter
Retrieve the chilled butter cubes from the refrigerator and add them to the dry ingredients. Use your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour mixture gently. The goal is to create a crumbly texture with pea-sized butter pieces evenly distributed throughout the flour. This step is crucial as it determines the flakiness of your shortcrust pastry.

Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients
In a small bowl, lightly beat the egg and vanilla extract (if using). Make a well in the center of the flour and butter mixture and pour in the beaten egg mixture. Using a fork or your hands, gradually incorporate the wet ingredients into the flour mixture until it forms a cohesive dough.

Step 5: Rest and Chill
Once the dough comes together, it’s important to let it rest and chill for at least 30 minutes. Shape the dough into a disk and wrap it tightly in cling film. Resting the dough allows the gluten in the flour to relax and prevents shrinkage during baking. The chilling phase also ensures that the butter remains cold, resulting in a flaky texture.

Step 6: Roll and Cut
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper. Take the chilled dough out of the refrigerator and let it soften slightly for easy rolling. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to your desired thickness, typically around ¼ inch. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes, re-rolling the dough as needed.

Step 7: Bake and Enjoy
Transfer the cut-out cookies onto the prepared baking tray, leaving some space between them to allow for spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown. Keep a close eye on them as baking times may vary depending on your oven. Once baked, let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before indulging in their buttery goodness.

Now that you know how to make shortcrust pastry for cookies, the possibilities are endless! Use your imagination to experiment with different shapes, flavorings, and decorations. Shortcrust pastry cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday gathering or a simple afternoon treat with a cup of tea. So, get creative and enjoy the delightful balance of sweetness and flakiness in every bite!