What is the difference between Scottish shortbread and shortbread cookies?

Traditional Scottish shortbread , like Gordon Ramsay Shortbread Cookies, sticks to the basics: butter, flour, and sugar. No eggs, no baking soda—just pure simplicity. American-style shortbread cookies sometimes add vanilla, leavening, or even extra flavorings, which gives them a slightly softer or more cake-like texture. Ramsay’s recipe leans toward the Scottish roots—crisp, buttery, and minimal.

What is Gordon Ramsay's most famous recipe?

Without question, Beef Wellington is Ramsay’s most iconic dish. But don’t sleep on his desserts—these Gordon Ramsay Shortbread Cookies are proof he’s just as skilled with sweets. If you're feeling bold, you might also try his Venison Wellington for a holiday dinner that’ll blow people away.

What is the best shortbread in the world?

Honestly? It depends on who you ask. Some folks swear by store-bought brands from Scotland, but many would argue that homemade, like these Gordon Ramsay Shortbread Cookies , win every time. Why? You control the butter, the sweetness, and the freshness. And once you've had them warm from the oven... there’s no going back.

Why do you poke holes in shortbread?

It’s not just for the classic look! Poking holes in shortbread cookies helps steam escape during baking, preventing bubbles and cracks. It also helps them bake evenly. Ramsay’s recipe includes this step for that exact reason—and it’s why his shortbread always turns out crisp and perfect.

Gordon Ramsay Shortbread Cookies: Top 10 Secrets to Perfect

Name: Gordon Ramsay Shortbread Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Scottish
Ingredients: 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature; ½ cup (100g) caster sugar, plus extra for topping; 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour, sifted; ½ cup (60g) rice flour or cornstarch, for a tender, crumbly texture; ½ teaspoon sea salt; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Gordon Ramsay Shortbread Cookies

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These Gordon Ramsay Shortbread Cookies are a buttery, crumbly twist on traditional Scottish shortbread. With just a few ingredients and no complicated steps, they’re the kind of cookie that tastes like comfort in every bite. Ideal for pairing with tea, gifting, or sneaking as a late-night treat—this foolproof recipe delivers that golden, melt-in-your-mouth texture every time.

Author: RAMSAY
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 20 cookies
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Scottish

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
½ cup (100g) caster sugar, plus extra for topping
2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour, sifted
½ cup (60g) rice flour or cornstarch, for a tender, crumbly texture
½ teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat & Prep: Set oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.

Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat the butter and caster sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3–5 minutes.

Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually sift in the all-purpose flour and rice flour (or cornstarch). Add sea salt. Mix until just combined into a soft dough.

Knead & Roll: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it gently until smooth. Roll to ½-inch thickness.

Cut and Prick: Cut the dough using your favorite cookie cutters. Place cookies on the tray, spaced slightly apart. Prick each cookie with a fork for that traditional shortbread pattern.

Chill the Dough: Chill the tray in the fridge for 10–15 minutes to help the cookies hold their shape during baking.

Bake: Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden (not browned).

Finish & Cool: While still warm, dust lightly with more caster sugar. Cool completely on a wire rack before serving.

Notes

Want extra flavor? Add a little lemon zest or dip half in chocolate once cooled.
These cookies store well in an airtight container for up to a week.
For a festive twist, cut into seasonal shapes!

Find it online: https://cookingwithramsay.com/gordon-ramsay-shortbread-cookies/