Sometimes less really is more; case in point: these tender, pared-down bars of Scottish shortbread made up of little more than butter, sugar, salt, flour, and cornstarch. Sure, one could jazz them up with a hefty pinch of citrus zest, a drizzle of melted chocolate, chopped nuts, or a vast variety of other additions, but something about their simplicity and purity of buttery flavor is what makes them a star in my eyes, and those just about everyone who's tried them.
I've been making this particular recipe for over a decade, and for good reason. Their effort-to-reward ratio is shockingly high — I've been making them unassisted since my tweens — they keep well, and their rich comforting flavor is soul-soothing whether nibbled on unadorned or generously dolloped with a bit of jam or preserves. Given their short ingredient list, use the best butter you can get your hands on; it will make all the difference.
Over a thoroughly enjoyable bite of 
