How do I make shortbread that doesn't crumble?

Question

I made some shortbread from Jamie Oliver's lastest cookbook. It is absolutely delicious, but when I tried to cut it, it all crumbled. Does anyone know how to prevent this?

I think I will try with more butter. But also the recipe didn't have any eggs in it so maybe I will put one egg in and see if that helps. Thanks everyone for your advice

Answer 1

my friend made shortbread a few months ago and the same thing happened to her, but she made another batch adding more butter, which fixed the crumbling immediately. (:

Answer 2

Did you knead it at all? You may need to knead it more next time. This works up[ the gluten which helps hold it together. . You could also add less butter (oil stops the making of gluten). Make sure you didn't over cook it. Try adding an extra egg, that could hold it together. You could always cut it into shapes before you cook it, too. Shortbread is meant to be pretty crumbly.

It might take a few trials to get it right!!! Good Luck!!!

Answer 3

Shortbread is supposed to crumble. If you want it in smaller pieces, then cut it before baking.

Answer 4

Cut in fingers or rounds before baking. If you cut after it might crumble. Also make sure you have added the right amount of butter.

Answer 5

After you form it into the desired shape, cut it. Leave the pieces as is, and bake it. Then as soon as it's cool enough to move - but still warm - cut it again - along the same lines.

This works for me - good luck

Answer 6

http://chloesbakingguide.blogspot.co.uk/

check out this blog post for the perfect shortbread recipe

:)

Answer 7

make sure the butter is really really soft to begin, if nessesary warm in the microwave and work quickly.

Answer 8

yes, don't try to cut it