Smoky Salted Caramel Scottish Shortbread on the Grill

There is something profoundly comforting about the scent of butter and sugar transforming into a golden masterpiece, but when you take that process outside to the Arteflame grill, you elevate a classic tradition into a culinary adventure. Scottish shortbread is renowned for its crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth texture, usually achieved in a conventional oven. However, baking this on the flat cooktop of a grill introduces a subtle, rustic nuance that you simply cannot replicate indoors. The gentle, indirect heat of the plancha crisps the edges perfectly while keeping the center tender.

This recipe marries the heritage of the Scottish Highlands with the modern versatility of outdoor cooking. By finishing the shortbread with a generous drizzle of rich caramel and a sprinkling of flaky sea salt, we create a flavor profile that balances sweetness, salinity, and a whisper of smoke. It is an indulgent treat that proves your grill is capable of far more than just steaks and burgers, turning dessert into the highlight of your outdoor gathering.

Ingredients

For the Shortbread

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for sprinkling)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

For the Topping

• 1/2 cup thick caramel sauce (homemade or high-quality store-bought)
• 1 tablespoon flaky sea salt (such as Maldon)

Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up the Grill

1. Begin by lighting your Arteflame grill. You want to establish a mature fire with a good bed of coals.
2. Aim for a temperature range that mimics a moderate oven (around 350°F) on the cooler parts of the cooktop.
3. Clean the flat cooktop surface thoroughly to ensure no savory residue transfers to your dessert. A quick wipe with oil and a scraper works best.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is pale yellow and fluffy. This aerates the dough for a lighter texture.
2. Gradually sift in the flour and salt.
3. Mix gently until a soft, crumbly dough forms. Do not overwork the dough, or the shortbread will become tough rather than tender.

Step 3: Shape and Bake

1. Press the dough into a cast-iron skillet or a baking sheet that fits on your grill's flat top. Alternatively, you can shape the dough into a round directly on a silicon baking mat placed on the plancha.
2. Place the skillet or pan on the outer edge of the grill surface where the heat is lowest.
3. Cover with a baking dome or a large metal bowl to create an oven effect.
4. Bake for 20-30 minutes, rotating the pan every 5 minutes to ensure even browning, until the shortbread is a light golden brown.

Step 4: The Smoky Caramel Finish

1. Remove the shortbread from the grill and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. This allows it to firm up.
2. While still warm, drizzle the caramel sauce generously over the surface in a zigzag pattern.
3. Immediately sprinkle the flaky sea salt over the caramel so it adheres.
4. Slice into wedges or fingers and serve.

Tips

Baking on a grill requires a shift in mindset regarding heat management. Unlike a gas oven that holds a steady temperature, a wood-fired grill has zones of varying intensity. The secret to perfect shortbread is keeping the dough on the outer perimeter of the Arteflame cooktop. If the bottom of your pan gets too hot, slide it further out or place it on a small wire rack on top of the cooktop to create a buffer. Using a dome is crucial; it traps the rising heat and circulates it over the top of the pastry, ensuring the shortbread cooks through before the bottom burns.

Additionally, the quality of your butter matters immensely here. Since shortbread relies on so few ingredients, using a high-fat, European-style butter will yield a significantly richer flavor and a yellower crumb. Ensure your butter is truly soft before mixing; if it is too cold, you won't get that airy structure, and if it is melted, the cookies will spread too much and become greasy. Patience during the cooling process is also vital—shortbread is very fragile when hot and needs time to set its structure.

Variations

While the salted caramel version is a crowd-pleaser, the neutral, buttery base of Scottish shortbread makes it an excellent canvas for creativity. You can easily adapt this recipe to suit the season or your personal palate without changing the fundamental cooking method on the grill.

• Chocolate Dipped: Skip the caramel and dip half of each cooled shortbread wedge into melted dark chocolate. Let it set on parchment paper for a sophisticated look.
• Rosemary & Lemon: Knead 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh rosemary and the zest of one lemon into the dough before baking. The herbal notes pair beautifully with the smoke.
• Pecan Praline: Mix 1/2 cup of finely chopped toasted pecans into the dough. Top with maple syrup instead of caramel for a nutty, autumnal twist.
• Spiced Chai: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, a pinch of cardamom, and a pinch of ground ginger to the flour mixture for a warming, spiced flavor profile.
• Lavender Honey: Infuse the sugar with dried culinary lavender before mixing, and finish with a drizzle of honey instead of caramel.

Best pairings

Shortbread is a rich, dense dessert, so it pairs best with beverages that can cut through the butteriness or complement its toasted notes. The most traditional pairing is, of course, a hot cup of black tea or strong coffee. The bitterness of the coffee contrasts beautifully with the sweet caramel and buttery crumb, cleansing the palate between bites. For an evening gathering around the fire, a glass of single-malt Scotch whisky is an exceptional choice; the smoky peat of the whisky mirrors the subtle wood-fired flavor of the grilled shortbread.

If you prefer a dessert pairing, serve the warm shortbread alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or fresh berries. The cold temperature and creaminess of the ice cream melting against the warm, salty caramel create a sensory experience that is hard to beat. Grilled peaches or apricots are also a fantastic accompaniment, as their natural tartness balances the sugar and butter intensity.

Conclusion

Mastering the art of baking on the Arteflame opens up a new world of culinary possibilities, and this Smoky Salted Caramel Scottish Shortbread is the perfect place to start. It takes a humble, centuries-old recipe and infuses it with the primal element of fire, resulting in a dessert that feels both sophisticated and grounded. The contrast between the crisp, golden exterior and the soft, buttery interior, highlighted by the savory bite of sea salt, makes this a recipe you will return to time and again.

Whether you are capping off a summer barbecue or enjoying a cozy autumn evening by the fire, this shortbread brings people together. It is a testament to the fact that with the right techniques, your grill can be as delicate as a baker's oven. So, pour a cup of coffee, slice a wedge of warm shortbread, and enjoy the sweet rewards of outdoor cooking.