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Bake the Perfect Festive Treat: Classic Shortbread Cookies
The tradition of Cookies at Christmas is a way to spread joy and warmth, reflecting the spirit of giving and family togetherness. Welcome to our delightful Christmas baking journey with this classic Shortbread Cookies recipe. Perfect for involving kids and loved ones in the baking process, making it a cherished family activity during the holiday season.
INGREDIENTS:
- Butter at room temperature (regular or lactose-free) – 250 g
- Caster Sugar (we use powdered brown sugar) – 125 g
- Egg – 1 pcs
- Flour (sifted) – 250 g, plus extra for dusting
- Corn Starch – 125 g
- Baking powder – 1 tsp
- Vanilla extract – 1/2 tsp
- A pinch of salt
COOKING METHOD:
- Start by mixing the butter and sugar with a stand or hand mixer until the mixture becomes fluffy and light in colour. Depending on whether you use a hand or stand mixer, this process should take around 5-7 minutes.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
- Mix the sifted flour, baking powder, cornstarch, and salt in a separate bowl.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and knead for no longer than a minute until a smooth dough forms.
- The dough will be soft and delicate but holds its shape and doesn’t stick to your hands. Wrap the dough with cling film and chill in the fridge for at least two hours.
- Preheat the oven to 180 ˚C (Conventional).
- Cut a quarter of the dough and keep the rest of it in the fridge. Put the dough on a dusted flour surface and knead it for a few seconds to make it easier to roll out. Roll it to 4-5 mm thickness.
- Using various cookie cutters and stamps, shape the pastry. Feel free to get creative with cookie shapes and decorations. Share your favourite shortbread cookie variations in the comments below!
- Carefully place your shortbreads on a baking tray lined with baking paper.
- Bake your cookies in the oven on the middle shelf for approximately 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them so that they don’t burn! Cookies are ready when the edges become light brown!
- After removing the cookies from the oven, allow them to cool completely. It’s the most challenging part, as its incredible aroma fills the kitchen and the whole house.
- Store your cookies in an airtight container (glass or metal).
- Finally, serve the cookies with a cup of tea or warm milk. Remember to leave some for Santa!
Answering Your Christmas Cookie Questions:
- Most Common Christmas Cookie: Gingerbread cookies are a classic favourite during the Christmas season.
- How Early to Bake Christmas Cookies: It’s ideal to start baking 2-3 weeks before Christmas to ensure freshness and to have them ready for early celebrations.
- What Makes a Cookie a Christmas Cookie: Christmas cookies often feature special ingredients, shapes, and decorations that reflect the festive theme, such as stars, pine trees, snowmen and snowflakes.
Happy Holiday Baking!
BE HEALTHY AND WEALTHY!:)
