Vegan Shortbread Ted Lasso Would Love

Name: Vegan Shortbread Ted Lasso Would Love
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1/2 lb vegan butter (one cup or 2 sticks - cold (not softened)); 1 C powdered sugar; 1 egg - vegan egg replacer (We used Bob's Red Mill); 1 tsp vanilla ((optional - see notes below)); 1 C almond flour; 1 C all-purpose flour

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Vegan Shortbread Ted Lasso Would Love 🇬🇧 A simply scrumptious, buttery, melt-in-your-mouth classic all-star vegan shortbread biscuit recipe inspired by the Emmy award-winning television series Ted Lasso. These sweet treats are sure to put a winning smile on your face!

A pink bakery box with vegan shortbread next to a cup of tea, and a framed photo of the actor Jason Sudeikis as Ted Lasso. — Ted Lasso photo credit: Apple TV+

Like a lot of us, I've found myself binge-watching more than a few tv shows during the last couple years. My family and I were channel surfing one night, searching for something new to view when we ran across this guy.

An Apple TV+ promo for the show Ted Lasso with an image of actor Jason Sudeikis as Ted Lasso.

Ted Lasso photo credit: Apple TV+

Who is Ted Lasso?

Jason Sudeikis stars in this hilariously funny, charming and uplifting series on Apple TV+. You might know him from Saturday Night Live. My family and I think his character Vance, from the "What Up With That" SNL sketches, is hysterical, so we decided to give his show Ted Lasso a look. Within a minute or two of watching the pilot episode, we were hooked. No, addicted. So much so we've watched the first two seasons twice already and are halfway through it again. (Just a heads up, this show features adult humor and language and may not be appropriate for kids.)

Ted Lasso is the story of an affable and, frankly, loveable Midwestern college football coach who is hired as the head coach of a professional British football team. Problem is, Coach Lasso knows American football. Not soccer. His new employer, Rebecca, is the scorned ex-wife of a philandering billionaire who lost his beloved sports team to her during their divorce.

Biscuits with the Boss

Ted's first day on the job begins with him handing Rebecca a small pale pink box filled with freshly baked shortbread announcing that from now on, mornings will be "Biscuits with the Boss". Without giving away any spoilers, let's just say, it's hard to be bitter when you have a box of sweet shortbread biscuits on your desk and a guy like Coach Lasso cheering you on.

A hand holding a pink pastry box with shortbread biscuits from the show Ted Lasso.

Actress Hannah Waddingham eating a shortbread biscuit in a scene from the TV series Ted Lasso.

Photo credit: Apple TV+

How we made this Ted Lasso biscuit recipe

My daughter Madison and I became obsessed with those shortbread biscuits. We just had to figure out a way to create our own that looked and (we imagined) tasted just like the ones that melted Rebecca's icy heart. For all we know, Ted is such a good guy, his secret recipe just might be vegan! At least that's what I like to think. So we researched oodles of classic shortbread recipes, including one from our family cookbook, and began baking. After creating at least 6 or 7 different variations (each with its own merits), we narrowed it down to two recipes.

We then invited a couple dear friends to taste test for us - one who is a shortbread aficionado and just happens to be our dentist, and his wife who grew up enjoying traditional shortbread in New Zealand. They both agreed that the winning biscuits were the ones created from our family recipe. What makes this recipe unique is the inclusion of one egg, which we substitute with vegan egg replacer. It gives the shortbread a lovely, ever-so-slight chewiness.

Vegan shortbread biscuits arranged on a cake plate and in pink pastry boxes.

Why we think Ted Lasso would love this vegan shortbread recipe

It's positively scrumptious!
Buttery, delicate, melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
Easy to make. Even easier to enjoy.
Perfect with a cup of coffee (or tea)
Just a few basic ingredients
Ready in less than 40 minutes - start to finish!
Will put a smile on your face.
All vegan ingredients - for the win!

What is Shortbread?

Shortbread is a traditional Scottish biscuit (cookie in American English) usually made from one part white sugar, two parts butter, and either three parts oat or or four parts plain wheat flour. Unlike many other biscuits and baked goods, shortbread does not contain any leavening, such as baking powder or baking soda.

Shortbread is so named because of its crumbly texture (from an old meaning of the word "short", as opposed to "long", or stretchy). The short or crumbly texture is a result of the butter or fat inhibiting the formation of long protein (gluten) strands. Shortbread is different from shortcake, though they are similar: shortcake usually has a leavening agent such as baking powder, which gives it a different texture.

Source: Wikipedia

Ted Lasso inspired vegan shortbread in a pink box with fresh flowers on a table.

How to prepare this recipe

🥕What to use instead of egg in this recipe The original version of this recipe calls for one egg, which I’ve substituted with vegan egg replacer. There are several packaged powdered egg replacers available which work well. You can also make your own by combining one tablespoon ground flax meal with three tablespoons of water (per egg). Allow it to sit 5 – 15 minutes to thicken before using.

🥕See the printable recipe card below for complete details.

Ingredients

Vegan butter - (cold, not softened)
Sugar - powdered
Egg replacer vegan egg replacer or flax meal (see above)
Flour - all purpose
Almond flour
Vanilla* (optional)

🥕*Note: The original and first vegan version of this recipe did not include vanilla. We think it tastes great with or without. If you decide to use it, just add 1 tsp.

Ingredients to make vegan shortbread including vegan butter, all purpose and almond flours, powdered sugar, egg replacer.

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350º

In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together vegan butter and sugar until smooth.

Add egg replacer and vanilla* - mix thoroughly.

Combine flours in a separate bowl then gradually add to the butter/sugar/egg. Mix thoroughly, until dough is stiff.

Butter in mixing bowl for making vegan shortbread.

Vegan shortbread dough in a mixing bowl.

Line pan with parchment paper or grease pan with vegan butter and dust lightly with flour. Spread dough in pan. Use a small rolling pin to flatten (if you have one), otherwise press down evenly with your fingers.

Place on center oven rack and bake at 350º for approximately 30 minutes or until lightly browned on top. Remove from oven and let cool for about 15-20 minutes on a rack.

Vegan shortbread dough in a baking dish.

Ted Lasso vegan shortbread in a baking pan

And there you have it, a batch of vegan shortbread Ted Lasso would love (and you will too!)

Vegan shortbread biscuits arranged on a plate with pink flowers.

Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Medium size bowl
Electric hand or stand mixer
Measuring cup
Measuring spoons
Silicone Spatula
Small rolling pin (optional)
7"x 11" rectangular or 8"x 8" square baking dish or pan
Parchment paper
Sharp kitchen knife

FAQ's

How to store shortbread?

Cooled shortbread can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days, that is, if there's any left by then!

Can this recipe be prepared without egg replacer?

Yes, it can, but I don't suggest it. After testing 7 different versions of various traditional shortbread recipes - each with vegan ingredients - we found this recipe, which originated from my Scottish great grandmother's family, to be the best of the bunch. The added egg replacer gives the biscuits a slightly chewy texture that is quite wonderful.

Is shortbread a British dessert?

According to Wikipedia, shortbread originated in Scotland possibly as long as a thousand years ago. Shortbread as we know it has been attributed to Mary, Queen of Scots in the 16th century. Back then, shortbread was expensive and reserved as a luxury for special occasions such as Christmas, Hogmanay (Scottish New Year’s Eve), and weddings. Today, shortbread is often enjoyed during afternoon tea or all in its own as a light and sweet treat.

Did this vegan shortbread recipe score points with you? Take a look at these winning sweet treats!

very vegan 🇬🇧 very good

Recipe

Vegan Shortbread Ted Lasso Would Love

4.86 from 14 votes

by Connie🥕

Vegan Shortbread Ted Lasso Would Love 🇬🇧 A simply scrumptious, buttery, melt-in-your-mouth classic all-vegan shortbread recipe inspired by the award-winning television series Ted Lasso. These sweet treats are sure to put a smile on your face.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Course Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine Scottish, Vegan

Servings

Calories 181 kcal

Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Medium size bowl
Electric hand or stand mixer
Measuring cup
Measuring spoons
silicone spatula
Small rolling pin (optional)
7″x 11″ rectangular or 8″x 8″ square baking dish or pan
Parchment paper
Sharp kitchen knife

Ingredients

½ lb vegan butter one cup or 2 sticks - cold (not softened)
1 C powdered sugar
1 egg - vegan egg replacer We used Bob's Red Mill
1 teaspoon vanilla (optional - see notes below)
1 C almond flour
1 C all-purpose flour

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350º
In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together butter and sugar until smooth.
Add egg replacer and vanilla* mix thoroughly.
Combine flours in a separate bowl then gradually add to the butter/sugar/egg. Mix thoroughly, until dough is stiff.
Line pan with parchment paper or grease pan with vegan butter and dust lightly with flour.
Spread dough in pan. Use a small rolling pin to flatten (if you have one), otherwise press down evenly with your fingers.
Place on center oven rack and bake at 350º for approximately 30 minutes or until lightly browned on top.
Remove from oven and let cool for about 15-20 minutes on a rack. Slice into pieces.
Store cooled shortbread in an airtight container for up to 3 days, if there’s any left by then!

Notes

🥕What to use instead of eggs in this recipe

The original version of this recipe calls for one egg, which I’ve substituted with vegan egg replacer. There are several packaged powdered egg replacers available which work well. You can also make your own by combining one tablespoon ground flax meal with three tablespoons of water (per egg). Allow it to sit 5 – 15 minutes to thicken before using.

🥕Vanilla is optional

The original version and our first vegan version of this recipe did not include vanilla. If you would like to add some, only use 1 tsp. We think it tastes great with or without vanilla.

Nutrition

Calories: 181kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 2gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.1gSodium: 92mgPotassium: 13mgFiber: 1gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 541IUCalcium: 18mgIron: 1mg

These are estimated values generated from a nutritional database using unbranded products. Please do your own research with the products you're using if you have a serious health issue or are following a specific diet.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Vegan Shortbread Ted Lasso Would Love