Easy Peasy Shortbread Cookies

Every year my family and I do some serious baking for neighbors, teachers, friends and family for the holidays.  This year is no different!

I tried this particular cookie recipe this year because they:

a.)  seemed easy to make
b.)  we had the ingredients on hand 
c.)  they looked like they came straight from the bakery. 

Oh, and they had great reviews too!   If you are curious, I found the original recipe here at All Recipes.

Festive Shortbread Cookies

Ingredients:

1 c. butter
1/2 c. confectioners' sugar
1 t. vanilla extract
2 c. all-purpose flour
1 1/2 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 t. vegetable oil
sprinkles for garnishing
1/3 c. chopped nuts or candy canes for garnishing

Directions:

In a mixing bowl, cream butter and confectioners' sugar.  Add vanilla.  Gradually add flour; mix well.
With lightly floured hands, shape tablespoonfuls into 2 inch logs.  Place 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets.  Take a fork and press indentation to make a design.  Bake at 350 degrees for 9-11 minutes or until edges and bottom are lightly browned.  Cool for 2-3 minutes before removing to wire racks.

I melted the chocolate in a double broiler but you can also do it in the microwave.  Just melt the chocolate chips and vegetable oil in a microwave-safe bowl, taking care not to burn the chocolate.  Stir until smooth and drizzle chocolate over the cookies using a pastry bag and small tip attachment.  Garnish with nuts, candy canes and/or sprinkles. 

Makes 24 cookies.

* If you don't have a pastry bag and tip, place melted chocolate in a Ziploc bag and snip a small hole in one corner of the bag.  Voila!


 Happy Holidays!

posted by dawn