Petticoat tails –Today, I’m excited to share a delightful recipe that pays homage to St. Andrew’s Day: Petticoat Tails Shortbread. This traditional Scottish treat is buttery, crumbly, and simply irresistible! Let’s dive into the delightful world of baking and create some delicious shortbread that will surely impress your family and friends.
Petticoat Tails Shortbread for St. Andrew’s Day
Shortbread has a special place in many homes, particularly during festive occasions. Its rich, buttery flavor and crumbly texture make it a wonderful companion to tea or coffee. This recipe for Petticoat Tails Shortbread not only embodies the spirit of St. Andrew’s Day but is also quite simple to make.

Ingredients
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar
- 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup (30g) cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Granulated sugar for sprinkling
- Optional: chocolate or nuts for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
- Gradually sift in the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt. Mix gently until the dough comes together.
- Add the vanilla extract and knead the dough lightly on a lightly floured surface for just a minute. Don’t overwork it!
- Roll the dough out to about ½ inch thick. Using a sharp knife, cut the dough into wedges, resembling petticoats. You can also use cookie cutters if desired.
- Transfer the shortbread pieces to the prepared baking sheet. If you like, you can poke a hole in the center of each piece for an elegant look.
- Sprinkle a little granulated sugar on top of each shortbread piece for added sweetness and decoration.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the edges start to turn golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Once cooled, serve these delicious Petticoat Tails Shortbread with a cup of tea or coffee and enjoy the rich flavors and pleasant aromas that fill your kitchen. Happy baking!