Thursday, December 16, 2010

Oh So Simple Vanilla Shortbread-Foodie Friday


     When I decided to bake these cookies today, I took my camera in the kitchen so I could take pictures and post the steps for Foodie Friday. Do you think that I remembered to take the pictures...nope! I hate it when that happens. Lucky for me and for all of you, this recipe is so simple it doesn't even need step by step pictures.

     Shortbread sounds complicated and some recipes for it do require a bit of effort. This recipe took no time to make and the cookies are really delicious. It is a recipe that was in our local newspaper and credited to Alison Ladman for the Associated Press. 

Vanilla Shortbread
14 Tablespoons butter, room temperature (do not substitute)
1/2 cup white sugar plus extra for pressing the cookies and colored for sprinkling on top
1 teaspoon real vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste (use real vanilla it is so much better)
pinch of fine sea salt
2 cups all-purpose flour

Heat oven to 325 degrees. Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray (I used parchment paper).

In mixing bowl combine butter, sugar, vanilla and salt. Beat on medium until creamy and well combined. Add the flour and beat until mixture resembles wet sandy crumbs that start to stick together. (You do not want a ball of dough)

Scoop out enough dough to make a tablespoon sized ball, roll in your hands and place on prepared baking sheet. Dip the bottom of a drinking glass in white sugar and press balls to about 1/3 inch thick. (I found the glass wanted to stick, so I sprinkled a little white sugar on the cookie balls before pressing) Sprinkle with colored sugar if desired. Bake for 20 minutes or until light-golden blond and firm. The cookies will finish crisping as they cool. Store in an airtight container. Makes 24 cookies.


I am joining Michael @ Designs by Gollum for Foodie Friday
Her blog is the best place to look for delicious recipes in Blogland!


11 comments:

Patricia @ ButterYum said...

Wow, your header is stunning! Merry Christmas!!!

:)
ButterYum

Together We Save said...

They look wonderful!!

Lyneen said...

I love all the cookies during this time of year... I am so glad it is only once a year... will have to try your recipe!

nannykim said...

Yum that looks wonderful and sounds like it too!

Donnie said...

That looks like an easy recipe and that's what I'm looking for right now..easy...lol...Thanks for sharing.

Linda@Coastal Charm said...

These look so yummy...thanks for sharing! Merry Christmas...hope you have a great one!

Blessings,
Linda

Glenda/MidSouth said...

They do look good - thanks for sharing the recipe.
Have a great weekend.

MrsJenB said...

Mmmmmm I love shortbread! Probably one of my favorite cookies. I always forget to take pics of what I'm making! haha

Thanks for sharing @ Foodie Friday, and by the way - LOVE your header picture!

Shellbelle said...

I also love shortbread and agree with you wholeheartedly — don't substitute the butter for anything else! There's a time to watch your diet and a time not to. I include holidays and vacation in this assessment.

Have a wonderful time in Florida!

krys kirkpatrick said...

Those look so yummy. Anything that involves Butter...I am all over it. Happy Jolly Winter to you.

Sue said...

I love sugar cookies! This year I made 15 different cookies but no sugar cookies. How did I miss those?

We keep very few of the cookies. Family and friends get them.

Merry Christmas.