Shortnin’ Bread Recipe

Hey there, fellow bakers!

I can’t wait to share my go-to Shortnin’ Bread recipe with you—it’s a classic that never fails to delight.

Every time I bake this, the irresistible aroma of butter and sugar fills my kitchen, promising a treat that’s both simple and decadent.

One key tip: ensure your butter is at room temperature for that perfect, flaky texture.

I love this recipe because it’s straightforward, yet the results are rich and satisfying—a true testament to the magic of basic ingredients coming together beautifully.

Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned baker, this Shortnin’ Bread will make you feel like a pro in your own kitchen.

Get ready to enjoy a slice of comfort that’s as easy to make as it is delicious to eat!

How to Make Shortnin’ Bread

Ingredients List

To create a delicious and traditional Shortnin’ bread, gather the following ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 cup molasses
• 1 egg, slightly beaten

Step-by-step process

Step 1. Preparation:

Preheat your oven to 325º F (163º C).

Grease an 8-inch square baking dish and set it aside.

Prepare your cookie sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2. Combine dry ingredients:

Combine the flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a large mixing bowl.

Mix well and set aside.

Step 3. Prepare buttermilk mixture:

Dissolve the baking soda in the buttermilk, stirring well.

Set this mixture aside for later use.

Step 4. Melt butter and molasses:

In a heavy saucepan, combine the butter and molasses.

Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring constantly.

Step 5. Combine mixtures:

Gradually add the molten butter and molasses to the flour mixture.

Next, add the buttermilk mixture and the slightly beaten egg.

Stir until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.

Step 6. Chill the dough:

Place the cookie dough in the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes.

This step will make the dough easier to handle and ensure a delightful texture.

Step 7. Shape the dough:

After the dough has chilled, remove it from the fridge and use a pastry cutter to cut it into squares or desired shapes.

Step 8. Bake:

Place the cut dough pieces onto your prepared cookie sheets.

Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown.

Enjoy your mouthwatering Shortnin’ bread made from this simple yet scrumptious recipe!

Side Dishes for Shortnin’ Bread

Shortnin Bread is a delicious and classic treat that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with tasty side dishes.

To elevate your shortening bread experience, here are some mouthwatering recipes to serve alongside this timeless dessert.

These side options will allow you to get creative and become a Recipe Innovator with fun recipes.

Fruit Salad

A refreshing and colorful fruit salad complements the rich and buttery taste of shortening bread.

Simply mix together your favorite seasonal fruits like strawberries, blueberries, mangoes, and kiwi.

Whipped Cream

Light and fluffy whipped cream is another great side to pair with Shortnin’ bread.

The creaminess of whipped cream adds a smooth texture and enhances the overall taste of the dessert.

It’s easy to make your own whipped cream at home from scratch; all you need are heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract to create this delightful addition to your shortening bread.

How to Store Shortnin’ Bread

When you’ve made some delicious Shortnin Bread, storing it properly to maintain its freshness and flavor is important.

Here are some methods to consider for storing your Shortnin Bread.

In an Airtight Container

The most common method of storing Shortnin Bread is in an airtight container at room temperature.

Simply place the cooled bread in the container, making sure it’s sealed properly.

This will help protect your treat from moisture and air, preserving its taste for up to a week.

Using a Ziplock Bag

Another option is to wrap the Shortnin Bread in plastic wrap and then place it into a Ziplock bag.

Ensure that you remove as much air from the bag as possible before sealing it.

This method can also keep your bread fresh for up to a week at room temperature.

In the Refrigerator

If you prefer to store your Shortnin Bread in the refrigerator, place it in an airtight container or a ziplock bag as described above.

The cooler temperature can actually help extend its shelf-life to around two weeks.

However, keep in mind that refrigeration might slightly alter the texture of your bread.

Freezing for Long-term Storage

For a longer storage option, you can freeze your Shortnin Bread.

Simply wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe ziplock bag or airtight container.

Be sure to remove as much air as possible from the bag or container before sealing.

This method can preserve the quality of your treat for up to three months.

When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen Shortnin Bread, allow it to thaw at room temperature for a couple of hours before eating it.

Remember, always allow your Shortnin Bread to cool completely before storing it using any of the methods mentioned above.

This will help prevent any unwanted condensation that could result in your bread becoming soggy or stale.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are the most common mistakes to avoid when preparing Shortnin’ Bread:

Not Paying Attention to Fat Content

The fat content of your ingredients, especially the butter, plays a crucial role in achieving the desired texture of your Shortnin’ bread.

European butter has a higher fat content than American butter, which can affect your results.

Make sure to use REAL butter as a substitute for shortening to get that perfect buttery crumb.

Improperly Measuring Ingredients

Ensure that your measurements for ingredients like cups of butter are accurate.

Too much or too little can affect the dough’s consistency significantly.

To avoid this, use a kitchen scale for better precision when measuring ingredients, especially the butter and sugar.

Overworking the Dough

When mixing the dough, stop when it forms a smooth ball.

Overworking it can cause the dough to become tough, which won’t give you the desired crumbly and delicate texture of shortening bread.

If you find that your dough is too crumbly, consider adding a bit more butter, little by little, until you reach the desired consistency.