Storing Parmesan Shortbreads | Ask Nigella.com (2024)

Full question

Hello there! I've made the Parmesan Shortbreads many times, but now I was wondering: could I do them in advance (say a couple of days)? And then how can I store them until eating time ? Many many thanks, Diletta

Our answer

Nigella's Parmesan Shorbreads (from Nigellissima and on the Nigella website) are very easy to make ahead and can be stored in several ways. Baked and cooled shortbreads will keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days and could be warmed in a low oven (about 100c/215F) for a few minutes before serving.

Cylinders of uncooked dough can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days and then just sliced and baked when needed. Let the dough stand out of the fridge while you preheat the oven so that it slices easily. You can also freeze discs of sliced dough on baking sheets lined with baking parchment (parchment paper). Once they are solid transfer them to resealable bags and keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. You can bake the shortbreads from frozen, the baking time and temperature is the same as in the main recipe.

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Storing Parmesan Shortbreads | Ask Nigella.com (2024)

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Storing Parmesan Shortbreads | Ask Nigella.com? ›

Baked and cooled shortbreads will keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days and could be warmed in a low oven (about 100c/215F) for a few minutes before serving. Cylinders of uncooked dough can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days and then just sliced and baked when needed.

What is the best way to store shortbread? ›

Storing Shortbread Properly

He says the flavour of shortbread will last for months if the cookies are stored in a sealed container. "Keep the dish on the counter, in a cooler, darker space and avoid opening or closing the lid often. This will ensure your cookies have a long shelf life."

How long does shortbread keep in an airtight container? ›

Remove cling film, then lightly mark the shortbread all over with a fork. Sprinkle with the remaining sugar, then bake for 20-25 mins. Leave to cool in the tin, then cut into 24 thin slices. Shortbread will keep in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Should you refrigerate shortbread cookies? ›

You want to make sure you cut the shortbread while it's still warm. Enjoy warm or cool shortbread completely on wire racks. Cover and store shortbread at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you added a topping such as glaze, icing, buttercream, or melted chocolate, refrigerate after 2 days.

How long does homemade shortbread stay fresh? ›

Prick the surface with a fork. Bake the shortbread in the oven until very lightly coloured; allow about 20 minutes for biscuits, 30–35 minutes for a shortbread round. Dredge with sugar and place on a wire rack to cool. Shortbread will keep for up to 4 weeks in an airtight tin.

Why do you put shortbread in the fridge? ›

It comes from using a high proportion of fat (or shortening) to flour and is also where shortcrust pastry gets its name. Why do you put shortbread in the fridge before baking? Chilling the dough before baking will help the shortbread keep their shape while cooking.

How long does shortbread last on the counter? ›

For example, the classic chocolate chip cookies can last up to two months in the fridge, whereas shortbread cookies can last up to ten days. At room temperature, chocolate chip cookies can last up to 3 weeks, while butter cookies can last up to a week.

What are common mistakes when making shortbread? ›

The most common mistakes when making shortbread are over-working the dough, and incorporating too much flour. The less you work the dough, the more crumbly and melt-in-your-mouth your shortbread cookies will be.

Can shortbread be left out overnight? ›

Cookies with high moisture content, such as soft and chewy varieties, are more susceptible to spoilage when left out overnight. On the other hand, drier cookies, like biscotti or shortbread, can typically withstand longer periods at room temperature without significant quality deterioration.

How can you keep cookies soft when storing in an airtight container? ›

Putting a slice of fresh white bread in the container with the cookies will help the cookies stay soft: fresh bread is moist, and that slice will give up its moisture for the greater good: keeping the cookies from drying out. We recommend white bread so that no flavor is transferred to the cookies.

When making shortbread, what must you not do? ›

Avoid making your shortbread too thick

This is much thicker than a roll-and-slice sugar cookie — or really any other popular type of cookie. If you keep your dough any thicker, you risk the dough coming out of the oven raw. If it's any thinner, the cookie will have a crispy texture with the snap of a graham cracker.

Why poke holes in shortbread? ›

The word "bread" comes from "biscuit bread" which was made from leftover bread dough that was sweetened and dried out in the oven to make biscuits. Why do you poke holes in shortbread? The holes allow the moisture to escape during baking and more even heat distribution. This helps dry out and crisp up the cookies.

What happens if you don't chill shortbread? ›

Chilling the dough helps the cookies hold their shape.

If you don't chill your shortbread dough, the cookies will spread as they bake.

What is the best way to store shortbread cookies? ›

Delicate cookies like whipped shortbread or decorated ones—like our painted butter cookies—are best stored in between layers of parchment paper. It prevents sticking and breaking, particularly when on the move.

What is the difference between shortbread and Scottish shortbread? ›

So if you hear the term "Scottish shortbread," you might think it's a different version of the shortbread you're familiar with, right? Well ... actually, no. "Shortbread" is just Scottish shortbread; they're one and the same.

Does shortbread get better with age? ›

As I noted above, shortbread cookies are ones that only get better with age, so bake them, cool and store in a cookie tin to age. You can also freeze both the cut dough shapes (to bake later) or the baked cookies.

Can you leave shortbread cookies out overnight? ›

Cookies with high moisture content, such as soft and chewy varieties, are more susceptible to spoilage when left out overnight. On the other hand, drier cookies, like biscotti or shortbread, can typically withstand longer periods at room temperature without significant quality deterioration.

Is shortbread better the next day? ›

The shortbread is best eaten at least 24hrs after it has been baked. When dunk in cup of coffee, this biscuit shines at its best as the heat from the coffee gently melts the butter and brings forth the addictive aroma of butter.

How do bakeries keep cookies fresh? ›

To extend the shelf life of products, many bakers use specially formulated enzymes for preservation. These naturally occurring protein compounds can keep baked goods soft while preventing crumbling and staling.

How do you keep shortbread in shape? ›

What is the best way to handle shortbread cookies so they don't spread out and lose their shape? - Quora. Make sure your butter is on the colder side. Chill them overnight; not the dough in a lump but go ahead and roll them out, and cut them into the shapes you want. leave them on the pan in the fridge.

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