Recipe: Shortbread Sticks with Cinnamon and Nut Crumb Topping

Recipe: Shortbread Sticks with Cinnamon and Nut Crumb Topping

Shortbread sticks with cinnamon and nut crumb topping are a perfect combination of buttery, crisp shortbread and warm cinnamon, complemented by a delightful nut crumble. These treats are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of tea, or gifting them to loved ones. The cinnamon adds a comforting aroma, while the nut crumble provides a satisfying texture. This simple recipe will walk you through how to create these irresistible shortbread sticks.

Ingredients

For the Shortbread:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar (icing sugar)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Nut Crumb Topping:

• 1/4 cup crushed nuts (such as almonds, walnuts, or pecans)
• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Shortbread Dough

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar
   In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This should take about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer, or 5 minutes by hand.

2. Add Vanilla and Cinnamon
   Stir in the vanilla extract and ground cinnamon. This will give the shortbread its signature flavor and aroma.

3. Add the Flour and Salt
   Gradually sift the flour and salt into the butter mixture, mixing just until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense shortbread.

4. Chill the Dough
   Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This will help the dough firm up, making it easier to roll and cut.

Step 2: Prepare the Nut Crumb Topping

1. Crush the Nuts
   Using a rolling pin or a food processor, crush the nuts into small pieces. You want them to have a crumbly texture rather than a fine powder.

2. Mix the Crumb Topping
   In a small bowl, combine the crushed nuts, melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon. Stir until the mixture is well combined and has a crumbly texture.

Step 3: Shape the Shortbread Sticks

1. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the shortbread from sticking.

2. Roll Out the Dough
   After the dough has chilled, roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a sharp knife or a cookie cutter to cut the dough into long rectangular shapes, resembling sticks.

3. Place on the Baking Sheet
   Carefully transfer the shortbread sticks onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.

Step 4: Add the Nut Topping and Bake

1. Top the Shortbread with Nut Crumbs
   Evenly sprinkle the nut crumble topping over the shortbread sticks. Make sure each piece has a nice amount of the crumb topping.

2. Bake the Shortbread
   Bake the shortbread sticks in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown around the edges and the nut topping is lightly toasted. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t burn.

3. Cool the Sticks
   Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the shortbread sticks cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve
   Once the shortbread sticks are completely cooled, serve them as a snack with a cup of tea or coffee, or enjoy them as a light dessert. They make a wonderful gift when packaged in a cute jar or box.

2. Storage
   Store any leftover shortbread sticks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. These cookies also freeze well for longer storage, up to 3 months.

Tips and Variations

1. Customize the Nuts
   You can use any kind of nuts you prefer. Almonds, walnuts, and pecans work especially well, but hazelnuts and cashews can add an interesting twist to the flavor.

2. Add Dried Fruit
   For added sweetness and texture, consider adding some dried fruit like cranberries or raisins to the nut crumble topping. This will complement the shortbread and add more depth of flavor.

3. Make Them Vegan
   If you’re looking for a vegan version, substitute the butter for plant-based butter and use a vegan sugar alternative. You can also use a flax egg instead of a regular egg if the recipe calls for one.

4. Experiment with Spices
   While cinnamon is classic for shortbread, you can experiment with other spices such as nutmeg, cloves, or cardamom for a unique twist on the flavor.

Health Benefits

1. Nuts
   Nuts like almonds, walnuts, and pecans are packed with healthy fats, protein, and fiber. They can help support heart health and provide sustained energy.

2. Cinnamon
   Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties and can help regulate blood sugar levels. It also adds a delicious aroma and flavor to the shortbread.

3. Butter
   While butter adds richness and flavor, it also provides fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin A. Be sure to enjoy the shortbread in moderation.

Conclusion

Shortbread sticks with cinnamon and nut crumb topping are a perfect treat for any occasion. The buttery shortbread combined with the warmth of cinnamon and the crunch of the nut topping creates a truly irresistible snack. Whether you enjoy them with a hot cup of tea or as a sweet treat after dinner, these shortbread sticks are sure to delight. Try this recipe today and savor the comforting flavors of cinnamon and nuts in every bite!