Family Recipe's: Aunty Val's Shortbread

At Warwick Conferences, we believe the best food tells a story. That’s why we love sharing treasured family recipes from our staff with our guests - dishes that have been cooked, enjoyed and passed down through generations, and which bring a genuine sense of home, warmth and hospitality to the table.

Val, a chef de partie at Warwick Conferences, shared this recipe after years of perfecting a treat she loves for its simplicity as much as its flavour. Known for her attention to detail in the kitchen, she wanted something that celebrated good ingredients without any fuss. When she realised her all‑butter shortbread needed nothing more than a few pantry staples and minimal effort, it quickly became a favourite she was more than happy to pass on.

Aunty Val's All Butter Shortbread

Ingredients

• 500g butter, softened
• 625g plain flour
• 75g ground rice
• 250g caster sugar (plus extra for sprinkling)

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 170°C (fan off).
2. Lightly grease a baking tray or line it with parchment.
3. Combine the butter, flour, ground rice, and caster sugar in a bowl. Mix until it forms a soft, even dough.
4. Roll or press the dough evenly into the prepared tray, smoothing the top.
5. Bake for 40 minutes, or until pale golden.
6. Remove from the oven and cut into fingers while still warm - this prevents cracking later.
7. Sprinkle generously with caster sugar.
8. Allow to cool completely in the tray before lifting out and serving.

Freezing - This dough and the baked shortbread freeze well if you want to save it for later!