Aberdeen Butteries

How to Make Aberdeen Butteries

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1. Mix the flour, salt, yeast and sugar in a large bowl, add the warm water, and stir to a soft dough. Knead on a floured surface for 8 minutes, until smooth. Put it in an oiled bowl, cover, and leave to rise for 1 hour, until doubled.

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2. Beat the butter and lard together until evenly mixed and divide into 3 equal portions.

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3. Roll the dough out on a floured surface to a rectangle about 20 x 45 cm. Dot one portion of the fat over the top two-thirds, fold the bottom third up and the top third down like a letter, and press the edges together.

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4. Turn the dough a quarter turn, roll it out again to the same size, and repeat with the second portion of fat. Wrap and chill for 20 minutes.

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5. Roll and fold once more with the last portion of fat and chill for 20 minutes.

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6. Roll the dough out to about 1.5 cm thick, cut it into 12 equal pieces, and shape each into a rough round about 10 cm across. Set them on two baking trays lined with baking paper, cover, and leave to prove for 45 minutes.

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7. Heat the oven to 200°C / 400°F and bake the butteries for 18 to 20 minutes, until golden brown.

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8. Cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes and eat warm, split and spread with butter or jam.

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Tips for Making Aberdeen Butteries

• Chill the dough between folds. The fat must stay firm to make layers, and it melts into the dough if it gets warm.
• Do not roll too thin at the end. The butteries should be about 1.5 cm thick, so that they rise a little and stay soft in the middle.
• Keep the salt in. It is what distinguishes a buttery from a sweet roll, and the flavour against butter and jam is the whole point.

What to Serve with Aberdeen Butteries

• Salted butter
• Strawberry jam
• Mature cheddar

Storing & Reheating Aberdeen Butteries

Best on the day they are baked. Keep in a bag at room temperature for up to 2 days and warm in a 180°C oven for 5 minutes. Freeze for up to 2 months and reheat from frozen at 180°C for 10 minutes.

Aberdeen Butteries FAQ: Common Questions

Aberdeen Butteries Nutrition

Per serving, calculated from the ingredient list. Treat these as an estimate — brands and cuts vary.