Vanilla shortbread cookies

Ingredients

Cookies

butter: 150 grams (5.3 ounces)
sugar: 100 grams (3.5 ounces)
finely ground almonds or almond flour: 80 grams (2.8 ounces)
salt: 2 pinches
egg: 1 piece (approximately 50 grams or 1.76 ounces)
flour: 240 grams (8.5 ounces)
vanillin or vanilla extract: 0.5 teaspoon (2.46 milliliters or 0.08 ounces)

Equipment

Hand Mixer
Necessary for whipping butter and sugar until they are light and fluffy. A stand mixer works well too!
Mixing Bowls
Various sizes for combining your ingredients. Make sure they’re sturdy and non-slip.
Rolling Pin
A must for evenly flattening the dough. For those extra pretty cookies, rolling pins with adjustable thickness bands are great!
Baking Sheet
Ensure it’s non-stick or lined with parchment paper for easy cookie removal.
Cookie Cutters
Various shapes add fun and creativity to your cookies. Don’t be afraid to experiment!
Parchment Paper
Essential for rolling out dough and baking without sticking.

Instructions

Step 1

1. Start by preheating your oven to 170°C (338°F). Ensuring your oven is properly preheated is crucial for even baking.

Step 2

2. In a large mixing bowl, whip the room temperature butter with a mixer at high speed until it becomes fluffy, this should take around 5 minutes. Room temperature butter whips more easily and traps more air, leading to a lighter cookie.

Step 3

3. Add the sugar to the whipped butter and mix again until well combined.

Step 4

4. Next, add the egg and whisk until the mixture is smooth.

Step 5

5. Add the salt, vanilla, ground almonds (or almond flour), and flour. Mix briefly until the ingredients are just combined. Over-mixing can result in tough cookies, so mix just until the ingredients are combined.

Step 6

6. Wrap the dough in foil or plastic wrap and place it in the fridge to chill for an hour. Chilling the dough solidifies the fats, which helps prevent spreading during baking.

Step 7

7. Once chilled, roll the dough out on parchment paper to a thickness of 2-3 mm (approximately 0.15 inch). Rolling on parchment paper makes it easy to transfer the dough to the baking sheet.

Step 8

8. Cut out your desired cookie shapes and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 9

9. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until they are slightly golden brown. Allow them to cool completely on a wire rack. Cool cookies completely to allow them to firm up and develop their full flavor.

Step 10

10. For decoration, you can use edible flowers. Place them on the dough rolled to a 3 mm thickness (0.15 inch). Cover the dough with parchment, and roll gently with a rolling pin to press the flowers into the dough. The better you press the flowers, the more they will adhere and look beautiful.

Step 11

11. Cut out cookie shapes as usual, and bake as directed. Bon Appetit!

Servings

Serving Suggestions and Ideas 🍪

Kicking off your morning coffee date? Serve these cookies alongside a piping hot Americano and watch them vanish! The delicate crunch pairs perfectly with the smooth bitterness of the coffee, creating an experience that’ll begin your day right.

✨ Hosting a tea party? Elevate your game by placing these flower-adorned cookies on a tiered stand. A blend of chamomile or lavender tea will complement the floral decor of the cookies, making for a truly picturesque setup.

Nights in need of a sweet treat? Make a mini dessert platter! Pair these cookies with fresh berries, dollops of whipped cream, and mini chocolate truffles. 🍓🍫 You’ll have a festive and fun-to-eat experience.

For an indulgent twist, serve cookies slightly warmed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast between the warm cookie and the cold, creamy ice cream is absolutely divine. 🍦

Variations

Gluten-Free and Vegan Variations 🌱

Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum for best texture results.

Vegan: Replace butter with a plant-based butter and use a flax egg instead of the regular egg. To make a flax egg, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes. 🌿

Rest assured, these variations will keep the cookies just as delicious and beautiful!

Faq

Why aren’t my cookies spreading properly?
This could be because the dough was not mixed enough or the temperature of the butter was not right. Make sure the butter is at room temperature before starting.
How do I prevent my cookies from burning?
Bake them in the middle of the oven and check them near the end of the recommended baking time. Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on them to prevent over-baking.
Can I use different kinds of nuts?
Yes, you can substitute almonds with hazelnuts or pecans. Just ensure they’re finely ground for a similar texture.
What can I do if I don’t have edible flowers?
No worries! You can use colorful sprinkles or nuts to decorate your cookies instead.
How do I store these cookies to keep them fresh?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to three months.
Is it necessary to chill the dough?
Yes, chilling the dough helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking and enhances their flavor.