Can shortbread go in the fridge? (3 rules to follow)

 In this brief guide, we will answer the question, can shortbread go in the fridge? We will discuss the correct way to store shortbread, both in and out of the fridge, and some techniques to bake terrific shortbread.

Can shortbread go in the fridge?

Shortbread can go in the fridge. Shortbread cookie dough can be stored in the fridge where they last up to 7 -10 days. 

Shortbread cookie dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for days or for a week. Remember to roll and cut the dough before you refrigerate them as it can be a hassle to do it afterward. 

At room temperature, shortbread will last around 7 days while in the freezer you can store them for 3 months. 

Baked shortbread cookie dough can be refrigerated as well. You can either store them at room temperature in an airtight container where they will stay fresh for up to a week or in the refrigerator where they will stay good for as long as 10 days. 

To store the shortbread cookies or the dough, place them in an airtight container or zip lock for up to a week.

How to store and handle shortbread cookies?

Shortbread cookies are handled in a similar way to other cookies. However, shortbread cookies are slightly different because of their high-fat content which can cause them to crumble prematurely. 

To store shortbread cookies, allow them to cool down before you store them. Putting shortbread cookies in an enclosed environment makes the steam from the cookies condense and makes them soggy. 

Transfer the cool shortbread cookies to an airtight bag or container where they are not cramped up. Plain shortbread cookies can be handled easily while you need to be more careful with frosted or decorated shortbread cookies. 

Fragile or frosted shortbread cookies need to be arranged neatly in a plastic container where they are lined with parchment paper to prevent them from smearing or sticking together. 

Different varieties of shortbread must be stored separately. Hard, soft, plain, or flavored shortbread cookies must be stored in different containers for safety and to retain the best quality possible.

How to make shortbread cookies?

  • To make shortbread cookies, add butter and sugar together to make the dough and mix until it becomes creamy. Mix on low and then scrape down and add some flour. 
  •  Add more flour to make the dough sturdy and also some vanilla extract. 
  • Preheat the oven to 190 Celsius or 170 Fahrenheit. 
  • Place the dough on a floured, flat surface. Make it into a brick shape and wrap it in plastic. Either keep them in the refrigerator in the brick shape or after you cut them up into shapes. Roll the shortbread dough gently and cut 2-4 cookies.
  •  Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Store in the fridge for 30 minutes.
  • Use a fork or skewers to poke holes in the rolled-up dough. 
  •  Proceed to bake the shortbread cookies at 350 Fahrenheit for 12-18 minutes. 

The shortbread cookies change the color from the bottom only, while the rest stays white. 

  • Cool the cookies on a wire rack before you serve.

Why must you refrigerate the shortbread before you bake them?

After cutting out the cookies, the dough is briefly stored in the refrigerator to let the butter solidify. It makes the cookies firm and prevents the butter in cookies from spreading too much. The cold temperature of the fridge holds the butter together and keeps the cookies firm.

When the cookie dough is baked, the butter melts slowly and gives the shortbread cookies a flaky and crumbly texture. 

Refrigerating the shortbread before baking is a crucial step. A significant difference in texture occurs when you refrigerate the shortbread cookies. The shortbread will be lighter in color and have a softer texture.  

While you chill the cookie dough in the fridge, you can sprinkle some castor sugar for sweetness. 

What makes shortbread cookies special?

Shortbread cookies are Scottish biscuits that are known for their simplicity. It usually needs only three ingredients; sugar, butter, and flour. Shortbread biscuits omit eggs and leavening agents, which makes them unique and different from regular cookies. 

When making shortbread, it is important to use castor sugar rather than granulated sugar. Granulated sugar takes longer to dissolve while castor sugar dissolves rapidly and improves the taste and the texture.

Other FAQs about Bread that you may be interested in.

How to thaw bread?

Can you cook garlic bread in the air fryer

Can you defrost and refreeze bread?

Conclusion

 In this brief guide, we answered the question, can shortbread go in the fridge? We discussed the correct way to store shortbread, both in and out of the fridge, and some techniques to bake terrific shortbread.

Citations

https://www.ehow.com/how_8602353_store-shortbread.html
https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/shortbread_1290

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