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These iconic shortbread biscuits from the hit show Ted Lasso transform just five simple ingredients into melt-in-your-mouth perfection. The buttery, tender rectangles that appear in that famous pink box have become almost as beloved as the show's characters themselves. Each bite delivers a delicate sweetness and rich buttery flavor with a texture that manages to be simultaneously tender and sturdy – exactly what you'd expect from the treats that won over the formidable Rebecca Welton.
I first attempted these biscuits during a Ted Lasso viewing party with friends, hoping to capture a bit of the show's magic. The moment I served them, conversation momentarily stopped as everyone reached for seconds. My friend Mark, who spent several years living in England, declared them "proper biscuits, just like my gran used to make" – high praise indeed! They've since become my signature contribution to gatherings, always arriving in a small pink box for full effect.
Ingredients for Authentic Shortbread
- European-Style Butter: 1 cup (2 sticks) Kerrygold recommended, softened to 65-67°F
- Granulated Sugar: ⅔ cup + extra for sprinkling
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups (spooned & leveled)
- Vanilla Extract: 1 tsp pure
- Kosher Salt: ¾ tsp Diamond Crystal (reduce by 25% if using Morton's)
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How to Make Ted Lasso Biscuits
- Step 1:
- Cream softened butter with sugar, salt and vanilla for 2 min until light
- Step 2:
- Mix in flour on low just until crumbly dough forms
- Step 3:
- Press into parchment-lined 8x8" metal pan, smooth surface
- Step 4:
- Dock with fork, chill 30 min
- Step 5:
- Bake at 325°F for 30-35 min until golden
- Step 6:
- Cut into 18 rectangles while warm (after 5 min rest)
- Step 7:
- Sprinkle with sugar, cool completely in pan
The Science of Perfect Shortbread
Air incorporated during creaming provides the only leavening. High butter content coats flour to limit gluten development, creating that 'short' texture. European butter's higher fat content (82% vs American 80%) enhances tenderness.
Chilling is Crucial
30-minute chill firms butter for slower melting (taller biscuits), relaxes gluten (prevents toughness), and maintains fork marks for even baking. Don't skip this step!
My intimidating boss softened after one bite at our Ted Lasso finale party, secretly tucking a second biscuit into her napkin. By morning, half the office had requested the recipe.
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Flavor Variations
- Citrus: Add 1 tbsp lemon/orange zest
- Almond: Substitute vanilla with almond extract + ¼ cup chopped almonds
- Spiced: ½ tsp cinnamon in dough, cinnamon sugar topping
- Chocolate-Dipped: Dip cooled ends in melted dark chocolate
More than just show replicas, these biscuits embody Ted Lasso's warmth - simple ingredients transformed into something extraordinary that brings people together, one buttery bite at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What makes these biscuits special compared to regular shortbread?
- The key difference is using European-style butter (like Kerrygold) which has a higher fat content (82-83%) than American butter (80%). This creates a richer flavor and more tender texture. Also, the technique of chilling the dough and cutting while warm helps achieve the perfect shape and texture.
- → Can I use regular American butter instead of European butter?
- Yes, you can use regular unsalted American butter, but the flavor won't be quite as rich. European butter contains more milkfat (82-83% versus 80%), which gives these biscuits their signature luxurious taste and texture.
- → How can I make these gluten-free?
- Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour mix (like Cup4Cup or King Arthur Measure for Measure). You can also try almond flour, though the texture will be denser and more crumbly.
- → Why do I need to chill the dough before baking?
- Chilling the dough allows the butter to firm up, which means it will melt more slowly during baking. This creates a taller, more tender biscuit with better structure rather than one that spreads too much or becomes dense.
- → How should I store these biscuits and how long will they last?
- Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 2 months. Let frozen biscuits thaw at room temperature before enjoying.