Skip to main content
Epicurious
Cookbooks

Shortbread

By David Bowers

3.8

(3)

Image may contain Sandwich Food Bread Toast and French Toast
ShortbreadDavid Bowers

"Real" shortbread is typically made with a little rice flour, which gives it that dry and delicate crunch. Instead of seeking rice flour, you can get an excellent result by using cornstarch to help achieve the classic texture. Sprinkle on a little green sanding sugar to celebrate "the day that's in it," as the Irish say.

Raising the Lid on Self-Rising Flour

The Irish often use self-rising flour for baking, although it's much less common in the US. If you're following a recipe from an Irish book or site that calls for self-rising flour, many American substitution charts will tell you to substitute 1 cup all-purpose flour plus 1 teaspoon baking powder. Do not do this! It's far too much baking powder and you'll end up with a cake or biscuits that taste like salty aluminum. A far better proportion is 1 teaspoon baking powder for every 2 cups of all-purpose flour.

See Related Recipes and Cooking Tips

Read More
Speedy Chicken Stroganoff
This easy, one-skillet chicken stroganoff features tender chicken breasts, savory mushrooms, and a creamy Dijon-crème fraîche sauce—perfect for weeknights.
The Only Frittata Recipe You’ll Ever Need
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
Classic French Vinaigrette
Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.
29 Ricotta Recipes for Dinner, Dessert, and More
Put that half-full tub to use with recipes that go beyond the Italian American classics.
Caramelized Onion Pasta
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
23 Easy Pie Recipes for Low-Effort, High-Reward Desserts
There’s a reason they say, “easy as pie,” you know?
Golden Mushroom Soup With Orzo & a Pat of Butter
This is the type of soup that, at first glance, might seem a little…unexciting. But you’re underestimating the power of mushrooms, which do the heavy lifting.
One-Pot Chicken Thighs With Cilantro Rice and Beans
This one-pot dinner cooks chicken thighs directly on top of a bed of flavorful cilantro rice studded with black beans for a complete dinner.