Recipe: Shortbread Sticks with Flax Seeds and Poppy Seeds

Recipe: Shortbread Sticks with Flax Seeds and Poppy Seeds

Shortbread sticks with flax seeds and poppy seeds are the perfect snack for anyone who enjoys the delicate, buttery flavor of traditional shortbread combined with the health benefits of seeds. These crispy, crunchy sticks are not only delicious but also provide a great source of fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants from the flax seeds and poppy seeds. Whether you enjoy them with a cup of tea, as an afternoon snack, or as a homemade gift, these shortbread sticks will satisfy your cravings while offering a nutritious twist.

Making these shortbread sticks at home is easy, and the best part is that you can adjust the amount of seeds to suit your taste. This recipe is simple, yet it results in a batch of delightful treats that are perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

For the Shortbread Dough:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup flax seeds
• 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Topping (Optional):

• 1 tablespoon additional flax seeds
• 1 tablespoon additional poppy seeds

Equipment:

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper (optional, for easy cleanup)
• Mixing bowls
• Rolling pin
• Knife or pizza cutter for slicing

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Shortbread Dough

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar
   In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. The butter should be at room temperature to ensure a smooth consistency.

2. Add Vanilla and Mix
   Once the butter and sugar are well combined, add the vanilla extract and mix it in until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

3. Combine the Dry Ingredients
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, flax seeds, and poppy seeds. Once the dry ingredients are evenly mixed, gradually add them to the wet ingredients. Mix with a spoon or spatula until the dough starts to come together.

4. Form the Dough
   Continue mixing until the dough is fully combined and forms a soft, slightly sticky ball. If the dough feels too dry, you can add a tablespoon of water to help it come together. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour.

Step 2: Shape the Shortbread Sticks

1. Roll Out the Dough
   Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and roll it out into a rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick. You can use a rolling pin or your hands to gently press the dough into shape.

2. Cut the Sticks
   Using a knife or a pizza cutter, cut the dough into strips or sticks. Aim for strips that are about 1/2 inch wide and 3 inches long. You can make the sticks longer or shorter depending on your preference.

Step 3: Bake the Shortbread Sticks

1. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

2. Place the Sticks on the Baking Sheet
   Place the shortbread sticks onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. If desired, sprinkle a little extra flax seeds and poppy seeds on top of the sticks for added texture and flavor.

3. Bake the Shortbread
   Bake the shortbread sticks for 15-18 minutes, or until they are lightly golden around the edges. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking, as they can become too crispy.

4. Cool the Sticks
   Once the shortbread is done baking, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the sticks cool on the sheet for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

1. Store
   Once the shortbread sticks are cool, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you’re storing them for longer, you can keep them in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

2. Serve
   Serve the shortbread sticks on their own or with a cup of tea, coffee, or hot chocolate. These treats also make a great gift when placed in a decorative jar or box.

Tips and Variations

1. Add More Seeds
   If you like a more intense seed flavor, feel free to increase the amount of flax or poppy seeds in the dough. You can also add other seeds like chia seeds or sunflower seeds for extra crunch and nutrition.

2. Flavor Variations
   Experiment with adding different flavorings, such as orange zest, lemon zest, or a dash of cinnamon, to complement the seeds and enhance the flavor profile.

3. Glaze or Dip
   For an extra touch of sweetness, you can dip the cooled shortbread sticks in melted chocolate or drizzle them with a light glaze. This will add a delightful contrast to the nutty flavor of the seeds.

Health Benefits

1. Flax Seeds
   Flax seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health. They are also high in fiber and antioxidants, making them a great addition to any diet.

2. Poppy Seeds
   Poppy seeds provide a good source of essential minerals like calcium, iron, and magnesium. They are also high in fiber, supporting digestion and gut health.

3. Butter and Whole Grains
   While shortbread traditionally uses butter, it’s a good source of vitamins and healthy fats when consumed in moderation. You can make the recipe even healthier by substituting some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.

Conclusion

Shortbread sticks with flax seeds and poppy seeds are a delightful treat that blends the rich, buttery flavor of shortbread with the crunchy texture and health benefits of seeds. These easy-to-make, customizable bars are perfect for any occasion—whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of tea, sharing them with friends, or gifting them to loved ones. Try this recipe today and enjoy the perfect balance of buttery, nutty, and slightly sweet flavors in every bite!