What puts the 'Short' in Shortbread?

We thought it was the perfect opportunity to explore the story behind the name, unveiling what makes shortbread, especially Walkers Shortbread, quite so special.

The History of Shortbread

The history of shortbread can be traced back hundreds of years. Originally a type of ‘bread biscuit’, which used leftover dough from bread making sweetened to make into biscuits, the first shortbread wasn’t quite the same as the sweet treat we know today.

Here’s the moment the curtain drops - the ‘shortness’ in the name doesn’t come from the size of the biscuit, or even its texture, it comes from the large amount of butter content in the dough, making it slightly tricky to work with. Bet you didn’t see that one coming!

The World's Finest...

Today, Walkers Shortbread only ever uses fine creamery butter from grass fed cows, and never compromises by baking its shortbread with anything else.

Since Walkers Shortbread was founded in 1898 by Joseph Walker, this independent family business has constantly focused on producing the highest quality shortbread and speciality bakery products.

Image: Joseph Walker, founder of Walkers Shortbread

We have a passion to bake the best tasting (and most authentic) shortbread in the world! There is never any compromise in the sourcing of our ingredients. With all Walkers Shortbread guaranteed to be free from artificial flavours, colours and preservatives, we are one of the very few biscuit manufacturers that still make shortbread fingers in a traditional way, delivering the delightfully light open textured biscuit we all know and love.

A family business through and through, we value and use a local, dedicated workforce. Ensuring baking expertise is passed on from generation to generation, traditional local recipes are still used in the manufacturing of Walkers Shortbread, delivering a truly authentic taste, and we couldn’t be prouder!

Unquestionably a Product of Scotland, all Walkers Shortbread packaging has an iconic Scottish tartan. As the holder of a Royal Warrant, supplying shortbread to Her Majesty the Queen, there’s no denying that Walkers Shortbread’s a cut above the rest!

From Traditional Fingers, Petticoat Tails, Highlander Shortbread and Thistle Shortbread Rounds to Shortbread Triangles, Almond Shortbread, Gluten Free Shortbread and Shortbread Shapes, the list of indulgent and delicious Walkers Shortbread options is almost endless.

Never short of inspiration, who knows what Walkers will bring to the table next?

OUR STORY...