Hi friends!
Are you ready for Christmas? To me, it seems like all of a sudden it is here. But, I’m pretty pleased with how prepared I have been for the holidays. I have had all my shopping done for a couple days and several gifts are already wrapped. Some of you may have been done a couple weeks ago. But for me, I’m feeling on top of it and ready to enjoy the merriment!
Last week I shared my grandmother’s seasoned crackers recipe, and this week I want to share one other recipe from her that is perfect to make and enjoy during your holiday weekend. Her shortbread cookies are one of my personal favorite holiday treats. If you know anything about shortbread cookies, they are simple, not very sweet and are a nice change from the typical, sugary holiday fare.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 lb. butter
- 10 tbsp. sugar
- 2 1/2 C flour
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F and soften butter in the microwave for 20 seconds.
- Mix butter, sugar and vanilla extract together. Once ingredients are fully incorporated, mix in the flour.
- Knead dough on wax paper, adding flour as needed to prevent sticking.
- When the dough is smooth, roll out it out so it is about 1/4″ thick.
- Cut cookies out with cookie cutters and place them on a lightly greased pan.
- Cook for 20 minutes, and viola!
This recipe makes about 20-24 cookies, but this can vary depending on how big your cookie cutters are. Definitely make sure you add the vanilla extract before you mix in the flour because that ensures the vanilla flavor is evenly distributed throughout the dough. You can try switching out the vanilla extract with almond extract for a slightly different flavor too. Adding sprinkles on top, when you take them out, is an easy way to add a festive touch to your cookies.
When I was younger, we would often leave these cookies out for Santa Claus with carrotts for the reindeer. Of course, we’d save some cookies for ourselves too! Did you have a special cookie you left for Santa Claus or do you make a yummy treat with your family each holiday season? I’d love to hear about your holiday traditions.
Cheers!
Sarah Camille