Matthew
Get ready to celebrate the holidays with these scrumptious Shortbread Cookies, complete with a magical Christmas glaze. This delightful treat will surely become a family favorite, and with our expert tips for the perfect glaze, your cookies will look as stunning as they taste. A buttery shortbread base topped with a sweet, colorful glaze, these cookies are perfect for Christmas parties or as homemade gifts for loved ones. So, grab your apron and let’s get baking!
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup milk (optional, for glaze)
- 2 cups powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)
- Food coloring (for glaze)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Using cookie cutters of your choice, cut out shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
- While the cookies are cooling, prepare the glaze by whisking together the milk, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl. Divide the glaze into smaller bowls and add a few drops of food coloring to each bowl to achieve your desired colors.
- Once the cookies are completely cool, decorate them with the colored glaze using a spoon or a piping bag. Allow the glaze to set before serving or storing.
Tips and Tricks:
- For a thinner glaze, add more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
- If you prefer a more intense color for your glaze, add more food coloring, but be mindful that adding too much may affect the taste.
- Allow the glaze to set at room temperature for a more even finish.
- Experiment with different cookie cutter shapes and glaze colors for a fun and festive cookie assortment.
Nutritional Information:
| Amount Per Serving | Calories | Total Fat | Saturated Fat | Cholesterol | Sodium | Total Carbohydrate | Dietary Fiber | Sugars | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 cookie | 190 | 9g | 5g | 20mg | 30mg | 27g | 0g | 17g | 1g |
Substitution Options:
- For a dairy-free option, use a plant-based milk and dairy-free butter in the recipe.
- If you prefer a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular all-purpose flour.
- To make the glaze without milk, substitute with water or lemon juice for a different flavor profile.
Wine or Beverage Pairings:
- A glass of cold milk is a classic choice to enjoy with these shortbread cookies.
- For a festive touch, pair your cookies with a warm cup of mulled wine or apple cider.
- A cup of hot tea or coffee would also complement the buttery sweetness of these cookies.
