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Shortbread: A four-ingredient cookie that is tender yet crunchy
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Flour, salt, butter and sugar are all you need to make Highlander shortbread, which makes a lovely afternoon snack.
PHOTO: ANDREW BUI/NYTIMES
Melissa Clark
NEW YORK – Calling for just four ingredients – butter, sugar, flour and salt – shortbread is one of the simplest confections you can bake. And it is precisely this minimalism that makes it so singular.
There is no egg, no liquid, no chocolate and no spice. There is not even leavening to mitigate its rigorous plainness. Yet, good shortbread always manages to charm, secure in the quiet confidence of really excellent butter.
