Thursday, March 24, 2011

ULTIMATE SHORTBREAD COOKIES

These shortbread cookies melt in your mouth, they are super easy to make (with few ingredients) and they are foolproof!!

 I have been trying different shortbread cookie recipes for years and they have always been a pain. Either the dough is crumbly and hard to roll out, or the "easier" ones that you pat into a pan look ugly to me (lol) and then there are the ones that handle beautifully, but you don't get that melt in your mouth shortbread taste. Well, I'm happy to report that I have found a winner... todays recipe it is absolutely perfect!!
.
2 cups of butter (room temperature)
1 cup of granulated sugar
4 cups all purpose flour
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon coconut extract (see note)
.
In a stand mixer, beat the room temperature butter, sugar and extracts until the mixture is light and fluffy (2-3 minutes on high).
.
Add the flour, one cup at a time, beating well between each addition.
.
Roll the dough into two logs and wrap in plastic wrap, then chill until very firm.
.
After "logs" are very firm, roll them in sprinkles nor nuts (optional) and slice into ¼" slices. Bake on ungreased baking sheet in a 350 degree oven for 18 to 20 minutes (mine were lightly golden in 18 minutes). Cool on baking rack.
.
NOTE: The coconut extract isn't absolutely necessary, but its such a nice addition. The funny thing is, is that you do NOT taste coconut, but you do taste a richness and sweetness that is slightly reminiscent of those Danish cookies that come in a tin at Christmas (but even better). If you don't use coconut extract, just use all vanilla extract.

14 comments:

Ana Rita said...

Wow!!!I'm so temptedto make these!!!!

Kisses,
Rita

Angela/Soap Mom's Kitchen/Sutherland Soap Creamery said...

Sometimes less is more...and shortbread is one of those cookies that are just delicious and simple. I will have to try these out. They look delish!

Harika's Kitchen said...

Yummy cookies and looks gorgeous.

Judy said...

There's nothing like a good shortbread with that buttery rich taste. I just made my own coconut extract from a fresh coconut, so this is perfect.

Atty said...

These look yummy. I'll try them soon. TFS

Kathleen said...

These look beautiful and yummy! ;)

Lara said...

I've never tried making my own shortbread before, but hearing your description makes me anxious to give it a try!

Monica H said...

I'd say any recipe that starts out with 2 cups of butter is a winner. Shortbread is a favorite of mineand I've been looking for a good recipe.

I also like that you said the coconut extract almost tastes like Danish butter cookies, because I'm addicted to those.

Debbie said...

I just love shortbread cookies but was never able to make a really pretty one! Those are sooo pretty and sound delicious. My husband loves anything with coconut and will go crazy over these...Thanks Coleen!

betty r said...

I'm always trying new shortbread recipes at Christmas..this one goes on the list to try.
Thank you Coleen.

Jackie said...

As usual your recipes never disappoint. I made these yesterday and they are absolutely delicious. Thanks for sharing all of your great recipes!

Monica H said...

Coleen, I made yet another of your recipes. i just posted these on my blog if you want to check them out!

They were delicious, thanks.

Constance said...

Yours look so pretty with those sprinkles and this is a grand recipe to make with my Grands. I'll also try to roll in pistachios...might have to brush on a little egg white..brush and roll, brush and roll. Thank You for your great blog.

Stephanie said...

This recipe is excellent, thank you. I added 1/4 tsp salt.