[zephyr_dropcaps style=”withbg” firstcolor=”#333333″ bgcolor=””]L[/zephyr_dropcaps]ast minute holiday baking? Cue in Stephanie Cho from Steffie’s Sweets Treats to the rescue! I tried her cookies at a recent pop up and couldn’t eat just one. She’s help put together an easy holiday shortbread cookie recipe with some great tips + tricks in case you’re not much of a baker (like myself)! The most important thing she says is to keep practicing, aka lots of treats for my husband to test out! Happy Baking!!
Flaky Shortbread Cookie Recipe
1 Cup – Unsalted Butter (Softened to Room Temperature)
1/2 Cup – Icing Sugar
2 Cups – All Purpose Flour
1/2 tsp – Salt
1/2 tsp – Vanilla Extract (Or any other flavoured extract you like)
1) Preheat oven to 350 Degrees Fahrenheit.
2) In a separate bowl, sift together the flour and salt.
3) In a large mixing bowl, beat together the butter and icing sugar until smooth and creamy.
4) Add in the flour & salt mixture a half cup at a time until it starts to come together (The dough will be crumbly at first, but will come together).
5) Slightly work the dough with your hands and form into a ball.
6) Allow your dough to sit for about 5 minutes before rolling it out.
7) Roll out a handful of dough onto a floured surface to your desired thickness (Usually 1/4 inch thick).
8) Cut out the dough with your cutter of choice and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
9) Bake in the oven for approximately 7 minutes at 350 Degrees Fahrenheit, or until the bottom edges are slightly brown.
* To add some Holiday Cheer to your cookies, mix some red and green sprinkles to your dough!
* For a softer and chewier cookie, add 1 egg, 1 more Cup of icing sugar, and 2 tsp of baking powder.
Tips & Tricks
Not sure if your dough is ready to be rolled?
Slightly pinch the edge of your dough with your index finger and thumb.
If your fingers are clean, you are ready to go!
Is your dough sticking to your working surface and rolling pin?
Put some parchment paper down, and generously sprinkle your rolling area and pin with lots of flour!
This will help keep your rolling area clear of bumps, and allow for a smooth transition to your baking sheet.
If your dough sticks to your working area, replace the parchment paper and start over.
Do you get stuck with burnt cookies?
Remember that every oven is different!
350 Degrees Fahrenheit in our oven may not be the same for you.
Watch your first tray of cookies closely to see if the timing and temperature need to be adjusted.
Adjust them accordingly, and bake the rest of the yummy goodness!
Does the bottom of your cookie bake faster than your top?
Similar to ovens, every baking tray is different!
If you like the temperature you are working with but find the bottom of your cookies are baking too quickly, double up your tray for a more even bake!
Cookies didn’t turn out the way you planned?
Don’t give up! Practice makes perfect!
Keep trying and you will find ways that work for you and your tools.
