Grilled Scottish Shortbread with Salted Caramel Drizzle

There is something truly magical about taking a centuries-old classic like Scottish shortbread and introducing it to the open fire. While traditional shortbread is known for its pale, buttery elegance, finishing it on the grill transforms the texture and flavor profile entirely. The intense heat of the Arteflame cooktop quickly caramelizes the sugars on the surface, creating a delightful crunch that gives way to a tender, melting center. This recipe bridges the gap between refined baking and rustic outdoor cooking, offering a dessert that is both sophisticated and comfortingly warm.

By adding a homemade salted caramel drizzle, you introduce a rich, savory sweetness that perfectly compliments the smoky undertones picked up from the grill. Whether you are hosting an elegant backyard dinner party or simply looking to use the residual heat of your grill after a main course, this grilled shortbread recipe is a showstopper. It proves that the grill is not just for steaks and burgers—it is a versatile tool for creating bakery-quality desserts with a unique twist.

Ingredients

For the Shortbread

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1/2 cup sugar (caster or superfine works best)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

For the Salted Caramel Drizzle

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp sea salt (or fleur de sel)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Shortbread Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is pale, light, and fluffy.
2. Stir in the vanilla extract if you are using it.
3. Gradually sift in the all-purpose flour and salt. Mix gently until a soft dough begins to form. Be careful not to overwork the dough, as this can make the shortbread tough rather than crumbly.
4. Shape the dough into a round disc or press it into a rectangular shape, depending on how you plan to slice it later.

Step 2: Chill the Dough

1. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap.
2. Place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling is crucial as it allows the butter to firm up, ensuring the cookies hold their shape when they hit the hot grill.
3. Once chilled, slice the dough into wedges or thick rectangular fingers, approximately 1/2 inch thick.

Step 3: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

1. While the dough chills, prepare the sauce on the stove or directly on the Arteflame if you have a saucepan that can handle the heat.
2. Melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and cook, stirring constantly, until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture begins to bubble slightly.
3. Carefully pour in the heavy cream (it may sputter). Whisk vigorously until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and stir in the sea salt and vanilla extract. Set aside to cool slightly and thicken.

Step 4: Fire Up the Grill

1. Preheat your Arteflame grill. You are looking for a medium heat zone on the flat cooktop (plancha).
2. Ensure the surface is clean and lightly oiled with butter or a high-heat oil to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Grill the Shortbread

1. Place the chilled shortbread slices directly onto the flat steel cooktop. Do not place them over the open fire in the center, as the high sugar content will cause them to burn instantly.
2. Grill for about 2 to 4 minutes per side. You are looking for distinctive golden-brown sear marks and a crisp exterior.
3. Flip gently using a spatula. The heat will warm the butter inside, making the center incredibly tender.

Step 6: Assembly and Serving

1. Remove the shortbread from the grill and place onto a serving platter.
2. While still warm, generously drizzle the homemade salted caramel sauce over the cookies.
3. Serve immediately while the caramel is warm and gooey.

Tips

The secret to perfect grilled shortbread lies in temperature control. Because shortbread has a high butter and sugar content, it can go from beautifully caramelized to burnt very quickly. Always use the outer ring of your Arteflame cooktop where the heat is more moderate. If the dough feels too soft before grilling, pop it back in the freezer for ten minutes; firm dough handles the flip much better than soft dough.

Additionally, when making the caramel, safety is key. Sugar burns are severe, so use a long-handled whisk and be cautious when adding the cream, as the mixture will expand rapidly. If you want an extra layer of flavor, you can brown the butter for the shortbread dough before mixing it with the sugar, giving the cookie a nutty, toasted flavor profile before it even hits the grill.

Variations

This recipe is a fantastic canvas for creativity. If you want to veer away from the classic vanilla and caramel profile, there are several ways to customize the flavor to suit your season or menu. You can incorporate citrus zests, herbs, or different spices directly into the dough or the sauce. Here are a few favorite variations to try:

• Chocolate Dipped: After grilling, dip half of the cookie into melted dark chocolate instead of using caramel.
• Rosemary Infusion: Add a teaspoon of finely chopped fresh rosemary to the dough for a savory, herbal note that pairs beautifully with the caramel.
• Lemon Thyme: Add lemon zest and fresh thyme to the dough for a bright, summery version.
• Spiced Caramel: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the caramel sauce for a warming, autumnal flavor.
• Fruit Topped: Grill slices of peaches or strawberries alongside the shortbread and serve them on top.

Best pairings

Grilled shortbread is a rich and decadent treat, so it pairs best with beverages and sides that can cut through the buttery density or complement the caramelized notes. The smoky flavor from the grill makes it a surprisingly robust dessert that can stand up to strong drinks. When serving this at a gathering, consider offering a mix of hot and cold options to contrast with the warm cookie.

• Beverage: A neat pour of smoky Islay Scotch whisky or a dark roast coffee.
• Dessert Side: A scoop of high-quality vanilla bean ice cream or fresh whipped cream.
• Fruit: Tart berries like raspberries or blackberries to cut the sweetness.
• After Dinner: An Espresso Martini pairs wonderfully with the caramel notes.

Conclusion

Grilling Scottish shortbread on an Arteflame is a delightful way to reimagine a traditional favorite. The process adds a layer of complexity—both in texture and flavor—that turning on an oven simply cannot replicate. The juxtaposition of the cold, creamy ice cream (if you choose to add it), the warm, buttery crunch of the cookie, and the rich, salty caramel creates a sensory experience that your guests won't soon forget.

So, the next time you have the grill fired up for a savory meal, don't let those coals go to waste. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of daring, you can craft a dessert that pays homage to Scottish tradition while embracing the joy of outdoor cooking. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the sweet, smoky taste of success.