Gluten Free Shortbread: The EASIEST Recipe EVER!

Gluten free shortbread, a buttery, crumbly treat, has always held a special place in my heart. This recipe is a tribute to my grandmother, whose baking skills defied logic. She could somehow whip up the most delectable desserts with just a few simple ingredients. This gluten free shortbread recipe captures that same magic, offering a taste of homemade comfort with minimal fuss. It’s the perfect recipe to share with loved ones.

Why You Will Love This gluten free shortbread Recipe

This gluten free shortbread recipe is pure comfort food. It’s incredibly easy to make, even for beginner bakers. The combination of simple ingredients transforms into a melt in your mouth texture that’s sure to satisfy any sweet craving. Plus, knowing it’s gluten free means more people can enjoy it!

This specific shortbread recipe stands out because of its subtle vanilla flavor and perfect crumb. I spent weeks perfecting the blend of flours to achieve that classic shortbread texture without any of the gluten. And honestly, it’s a hit every single time! The smell alone takes me back to my grandmother’s kitchen. Follow us on Pinterest for more delicious recipes!

Ingredients Needed for This gluten free shortbread Recipe

• For the Shortbread:

* 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened * ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar * ¼ teaspoon salt * 1 teaspoon vanilla extract * 2 cups (240g) gluten free all purpose flour blend (with xanthan gum) * ½ cup (60g) almond flour

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How to Make This gluten free shortbread Recipe

1. 1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.

1. 2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This will take about 3 5 minutes with an electric mixer. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl.

1. 3. Add the salt and vanilla extract and mix until combined. The aroma at this stage is unbelievably good!

1. 4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the gluten free all purpose flour blend and almond flour. This ensures the flours are evenly distributed.

1. 5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough shortbread.

1. 6. Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to create a smooth surface.

1. 7. Use a fork to prick the surface of the shortbread dough all over. This prevents it from puffing up during baking.

1. 8. Bake for 30 35 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. The center should be set but still slightly soft.

1. 9. Let the shortbread cool completely in the pan before lifting it out using the parchment paper overhang.

1. 10. Cut into squares or rectangles. Enjoy this Gluten Free Shortbread 3 with a cup of tea!

How to Serve This gluten free shortbread Recipe

Gluten free shortbread is delicious on its own, but there are so many ways to enjoy it! Serve it with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat. You can also crumble it over ice cream or yogurt for a bit of added sweetness and texture. For a more elegant presentation, dust the shortbread with powdered sugar before serving.

Consider pairing shortbread with fresh berries. The tartness of the berries complements the richness of the shortbread perfectly. You might also enjoy it alongside a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

How to Store This gluten free shortbread Recipe

Store your baked and cooled gluten free shortbread in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for up to 5 days. If you want to store it for longer, you can freeze it.

To freeze shortbread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer safe bag or container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw the shortbread at room temperature before serving.

Tips to Make This gluten free shortbread Recipe

• Use softened butter: Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. This will help it cream properly with the sugar, creating a tender shortbread.
• Don’t overmix the dough: Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour (even in a gluten free blend), resulting in a tough shortbread. Mix until just combined.
• Prick the dough: Pricking the dough with a fork prevents it from puffing up during baking and helps it bake evenly.
• Let it cool completely: Allow the shortbread to cool completely in the pan before cutting it. This will prevent it from crumbling.

Helpful Notes for This gluten free shortbread Recipe

When it comes to gluten free baking, the flour blend you use is key. I recommend using a high quality gluten free all purpose flour blend that contains xanthan gum. Xanthan gum acts as a binder, helping to give the shortbread structure. If your flour blend doesn’t contain xanthan gum, you may need to add it separately (about ½ teaspoon per cup of flour).

Almond flour adds a lovely nutty flavor and also helps to create a tender crumb. If you don’t have almond flour, you can substitute it with another gluten free flour, but the texture may be slightly different.

Variation of This gluten free shortbread Recipe

• Lemon Shortbread: Add the zest of one lemon to the dough for a bright, citrusy twist.
• Chocolate Chip Shortbread: Stir in ½ cup of mini chocolate chips to the dough before pressing it into the pan.
• Lavender Shortbread: Add 1 teaspoon of dried culinary lavender to the dough for a floral and aromatic treat.
• Maple Shortbread: Replace ¼ cup of the granulated sugar with maple syrup for a warm, autumnal flavor.

Conclusion

This gluten free shortbread recipe is a deliciously simple treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it with a cup of tea or sharing it with friends and family, I hope this recipe brings you as much joy as it brings me. Give this gluten free shortbread recipe a try and let me know what you think in the comments below! I’d love to hear how it turns out for you.

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