Cookie of the Day: A Shortbread Symphony

Shortbread is so named because of its crumbly texture. A baked good which is “short” has a high fat content which caused the texture to be dense and crumbly. Many people associate shortbread with Britain. In fact, these unleavened biscuits originated in Scotland and are a centuries-old Scottish tradition.


And, so, in honor of the Scottish heritage of shortbread, each year, my mother’s shortbread takes the shape of our other favorite Scottish imports—West Highland White Terriers and Scottish Terriers.

Westie Dogs of shortbread sport chocolate bows, noses and eyes which have been sprinkled with colorful nonpareils. The Scottie Dogs are chocolate shortbread with white chocolate detailing. Each is delicious! Each is adorable.

These crumbly canines are perfect with a cup of tea. I also love seeing them all lined up on the counter after my mother decorates them—like a cookie army.