Is there any advantage to using unsalted butter for shortbread?

* Control over salt content: Unsalted butter allows you to precisely control the amount of salt in your shortbread. This is especially important if you are making a sweet shortbread, as too much salt can overpower the flavor.

* Enhanced flavor: Some argue that unsalted butter brings out the pure buttery flavor of the shortbread, allowing the other flavors to shine.

* Better texture: Some say that unsalted butter creates a more tender and crumbly texture in shortbread because the salt in salted butter can make the dough tough.

However, there are also some disadvantages:

* Extra step: Using unsalted butter means you have to add salt yourself, which can be an extra step in the process.

* Not always necessary: For some recipes, the amount of salt in salted butter might not be a noticeable factor.

Ultimately, the choice between salted and unsalted butter is up to you. If you want to control the salt content and possibly enhance the flavor, unsalted butter is the way to go. But if you prefer convenience and don't mind a slightly saltier flavor, salted butter will work just fine.

Here are some tips for using unsalted butter in shortbread:

* Measure the butter accurately: Since you're adding the salt yourself, it's essential to measure the butter accurately.

* Use a good quality butter: A good quality butter will have a richer flavor and will contribute to a more flavorful shortbread.

* Don't overwork the dough: Overworking the dough can make the shortbread tough, so try to work it as little as possible.

Enjoy baking!