Delicious Scotch Fancies Recipe to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth
In today’s world, where new and exciting flavors are popping up everyday, it can be difficult to appreciate the classics. But there’s something special about old-fashioned recipes that have been passed down through generations. They offer more than just taste – they offer a link to our past and a sense of tradition. That’s why I’m excited to share with you my Grandma’s Scotch Fancies recipe.
These delicious cookies are made with a traditional Scottish shortbread recipe and packed with walnuts, one of my favorite nuts! They’re simple, but they’re simply scrumptious. I remember my grandma making them for us when we visited her as children, and now I make them for my family. They bring back memories of home and warmth every time.
There’s nothing fancy about these cookies. They are not overly sweet, they are not complicated to make. But they are truly comforting and delightful in their simplicity. The buttery texture of the shortbread melts in your mouth, while the walnuts add a pleasing crunch.
So if you crave something that tastes just like Grandma used to make, give these Scotch Fancies a try. Let’s honor the generations of cooks who created such timeless recipes- by keeping them alive and enjoying them ourselves!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Fellow foodies, I call upon you to indulge in the ultimate Scottish treat – Grandma’s Scotch Fancies. This old-fashioned recipe has made its way down generations of my family and let me tell you, it’s nothing less than divine.
From the first bite, these shortbread cookies will melt in your mouth and transport you to the sweetest of dreamlands. They are not just any ordinary shortbread cookie recipe. They are southern Scotland’s pride and joy.
The softness of the shortbread is perfectly complimented with the crunch of chopped walnuts that are generously scattered throughout each cookie. A dash of vanilla adds to its perfection, containing rich notes only elevating the flavors that already hit in each bite.
Even the most experienced bakers will find their taste buds surprised by this heavenly cookie that just cannot be recreated with store-bought dough or rice flour alternatives.
Not only does this recipe take us on a gastronomical trip to Scotland, but it also holds a sentimental value as well; reminiscent of watching Grandma Mary whip up batch after batch on a lazy Sunday morning.
So sit back, grab some tea or coffee and let these Scottish treats – honoring decades-old traditions – take you on a journey through time while you munch away!
Ingredient List
Grandma’s Scotch Fancies are a simple yet delicious treat that require a few basic pantry staples. You may even have everything you need already on hand! Here’s what you’ll need to make these traditional Scottish shortbread cookies:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3-6 drops maple extract (optional)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 8-1/2 ounces (2 cups) chopped walnuts
Don’t forget to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results. It’s also important that your butter is at room temperature so it can easily combine with the other ingredients. If you prefer, you can use salted butter instead of unsalted, just adjust the amount of added salt accordingly.
The Recipe How-To
Now, let’s get down to business and talk about how to make these delightful Grandma’s Scotch Fancies. Follow these instructions to the letter, and you’ll have some seriously scrumptious cookies in your hands!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Brown Sugar
In a mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together 1 cup of butter and 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add the Egg Yolk, Vanilla, Maple Extract, Flour, Baking Powder, and Salt
Next, add in 1 egg yolk, 3-6 drops of vanilla extract, 2 drops of maple extract, 2 cups of flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Mix until just blended.
Step 4: Fold in the Chopped Walnuts
Using a spoon or spatula, fold in 2 cups chopped walnuts.
Step 5: Roll the Dough into Balls
Roll the dough into balls that are slightly smaller than a golf ball.
Step 6: Bake
Place each ball on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, about 2 inches apart. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Allow cookies to cool on wire racks for at least 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy with a hot cup of tea for an authentic traditional Scottish experience!
I hope that these instructions were easy enough to follow! Remember that old fashioned recipes like this one require patience, so don’t rush it! Take your time and enjoy the process of baking these delicious Scotch Fancies.
Substitutions and Variations
Now, I understand that sometimes you find yourself in a pinch and the ingredients in the recipe aren’t readily available or perhaps you’d like to spice things up a bit. For instance, if you’re out of walnuts, you can swap them for pecans or almonds for a slightly different nut flavor. Alternatively, you can also add some chocolate chips on top or mix them in with the dough to give it a more indulgent twist.
If you’re looking to make this recipe gluten-free, replacing the all-purpose flour with rice flour is an excellent option. It will yield a slightly different texture and taste but will still maintain its traditional Scottish shortbread cookies’ flavor. Lastly, if you’re vegan or allergic to eggs, try replacing the egg yolk with applesauce or mashed bananas as binding agents.
Another variation I particularly enjoy is adding some cinnamon to the dough or topping off the shortbread with a spoonful of fruit jam before popping them into the oven. These twists will impress your guests and bring some creativity to old fashioned recipes.
In summary, feel free to experiment and customize this Grandma’s Scotch Fancies Recipe to your liking by using alternative ingredients or adding new flavor combinations. After all, there’s nothing quite like putting your spin on vintage recipes!
Serving and Pairing
When I sink my teeth into a batch of Grandma’s Scotch Fancies, I feel as though I’m transported back in time, my feet dangling from a chair at her kitchen table. It’s reminiscent of days gone by, when life was simple and nothing fancy was required to make something absolutely delicious.
These sweet, nutty cups are perfect for any occasion. But one of my absolute favorite times to serve them is after dinner, with a cup of good strong tea, brewed the traditional Scottish way. Perhaps that’s because our family always savored this treat after Sunday lunch when I was young; or maybe it’s because the flavors pair so nicely.
For a truly authentic experience, pair your scotch fancies with some drop scones or pancakes – two other classic Scottish recipes that rank among my favorites. Combine these treats with a steaming mug of coffee or tea and you have yourself quite the spread.
If you’re feeling adventurous, whip up some classic Scottish dessert recipes like Clootie dumplings or Dundee cake. The earthy taste would combine beautifully with your shortbread cookie fancies. Regardless of your plans, I am confident that these little beauties will be the star attraction.
So go ahead and indulge in the nostalgia and warmth that comes from biting into one of these scotch fancies. They are made for sharing and sure to bring people together around the table for a delightful cuppa and chat!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Ah, the age-old question – how to store our beloved creations without losing that initial freshness, taste and texture? Fear not, dear reader, for I am here to guide you through the proper ways to make-ahead, store and reheat Grandma’s Scotch Fancies.
First things first – can you make the fancies ahead of time? Yes! In fact, preparing them a day before giving them away or serving at parties actually enhances their flavor. Just make sure to let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container.
Now, for storing. These fancies contain walnuts so storing them in the pantry might result in a reduced shelf-life, especially if you live in a warm climate. Instead, store the fancies in an airtight container in a cool and dry place like your refrigerator or freezer. If stored properly, these little gems can last up to 2 weeks in the fridge and up to 3 months in the freezer.
To reheat these treats (or maybe just sneak one from your stash), simply bring out your refrigerated or frozen Scottish shortbreads, let them thaw for an hour at room temperature and if desired reheat them in the oven on low heat (180C/350F) for 3-4 minutes or until they’re warm and crispy once again.
Remember that old-fashioned recipes like Grandma’s Scotch Fancies taste best when eaten fresh out of the oven but with proper storage techniques and reheating methods, we can still savor that same taste weeks and even months later.
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you have all the ingredients for your Grandma’s Scotch Fancies recipe, there are a few tips I would like to share with you to ensure perfect results. These tips have been passed down from generation to generation and have been tested and improved over time.
Firstly, it is essential to use room temperature butter which should be soft enough to cream with the brown sugar. If the butter is too cold, it won’t mix well with the other ingredients, and your Scottish fancies may turn out dry or crumbly. You might consider using a microwave for softening the butter, but be careful not to melt it entirely.
Secondly, do not overmix the dough. You only need to mix until it comes together; otherwise, your cookies will lose their tender texture. When adding flour, avoid adding too much at once and mix slowly. The goal is to prevent making the dough tough while ensuring that all ingredients are adequately combined.
Thirdly, chop the walnuts finely for even baking and mixing with cookie dough. If they’re too big, they might sink at the bottom before the cookie has set or make large uneven cracks along the surface of a cookie as they expand when heated.
Fourthly, when preparing to bake, preheat your oven for 10-15 minutes before inserting the cookies on a lined baking sheet. This makes sure that cookies are evenly baked and prevents them from spreading out too far when placed on cold baking sheets.
Finally, store the fancies in an airtight container once they have cooled completely down. Keep them at room temperature in a dry place where there is no direct sunlight exposure. Stored correctly, Scottish fancies can last up to two weeks without getting stale.
Implementing these tips will help you achieve perfection with every batch of Grandma’s Scotch Fancies. Good luck!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, I highly recommend giving Grandma’s Scotch Fancies recipe a try. It is a timeless and traditional Scottish dessert that has been passed down from generation to generation. Through the use of simple and classic ingredients, such as flour, butter, and walnuts, with a touch of vanilla and brown sugar, this recipe creates an old-fashioned, indulgent treat that will satisfy your sweet tooth.
If you are looking for a scrumptious new cookie recipe to add to your collection, or if you’re simply looking for an excuse to indulge in some rich and buttery shortbread cookies, then Grandma’s Scotch Fancies recipe is the answer. The recipe is easy to follow, and with the right ingredients and techniques at hand, you’ll have a plate full of delicious treats in no time.
So go ahead and step back in time by baking up some of Grandma’s Scotch Fancies- they’re the perfect treat for any occasion!
Grandma’s Scotch Fancies Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter
- 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 3 -6 drops maple extract
- 2 cups flour
- 2 cups walnuts, chopped
- 8 (1 5/8 ounce) Hershey chocolate candy bars, broken into squares
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Mix butter, sugar, yolk, vanilla, extract and flour together.
- Spread onto ungreased cookie sheet 1/4-inch thick (use a rolling pin).
- Bake for 20 minutes, until edges start to brown and middle is set.
- While still warm, spread hersey bars on top (they'll melt, spread out chocolate evenly) and sprinkle on nuts.
- Cool just slightly and cut into squares.
- Pop one in your mouth and be amazed at how simple and yummy this recipe is.
- NOTE: (Serving amount depends on how big you cut your pieces. There is no rule to the size, but I like mine about 2 x 2-inches).
Nutrition
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Brian is a British chef cum food blogger who has been in the kitchen since he was a young lad. Growing up in Manchester, he developed a passion for cooking and a keen eye for the perfect dish. He now runs his own blog and YouTube channel, which is dedicated to sharing his passion for food with the world.