Why did my dough crack when I pressed it?

The dough was too cold or a touch dry. Let it warm five minutes and press again, or mist your palms lightly with water before rolling the next batch.

How do I fix dough that is too soft to roll?

Chill the bowl ten to fifteen minutes. If the room is very warm, chill the scooped balls five minutes on the tray before pressing.

Can I add eggs to make them softer

Classic shortbread is egg free. The tender crumb comes from the butter, powdered sugar, and cornstarch. If you want a cakier cookie, try a sugar cookie recipe instead.

Why are my cookies tough

Overmixing after the flour goes in develops gluten. Next time, mix on low and stop as soon as the flour disappears, then use only the brief finishing beat.

How do I get perfectly even cookies.

Use a leveled scoop, roll each ball the same number of times in your palms, and press with the same fork held at the same angle for consistent width.

What extract can replace almond.

Use pure vanilla, orange, lemon, or peppermint. Start with one quarter teaspoon for strong extracts like peppermint and adjust to taste.

Christmas Shortbread Cookies

Recipe by Liliya

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No reviews

Total Time44 minutes
Yield18 cookies 1x
DietVegetarian

This Christmas Shortbread Cookies is buttery, tender, and melt in your mouth with a hint of vanilla and almond. The dough mixes fast, bakes pale at 325°F, and looks festive with holiday sprinkles.

Ingredients

Scale

¾ cup unsalted butter softened
⅔ cup powdered sugar sifted
1 teaspoon clear vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon almond extract
1¾ cups all purpose flour
3 tablespoons cornstarch
¼ teaspoon salt
Holiday sprinkles jimmies or nonpareils

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 325°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment.
In a stand mixer with the paddle, beat softened butter and sifted powdered sugar on medium for 2 minutes until light and fluffy. Scrape the bowl.
Beat in vanilla and almond extract for 1 minute.
In a separate bowl whisk flour, cornstarch, and salt.
With the mixer on low, spoon the dry mix into the butter mixture in additions until combined. Increase to medium and beat 30 to 45 seconds until the dough looks light and uniform.
Chill the bowl for 15 minutes.
Scoop 1½ tablespoon portions, roll into smooth balls, and place 2 inches apart on the sheets. Flatten the tops gently with a fork to about 1½ inches wide. Add sprinkles and press lightly to adhere.
Bake 12 to 14 minutes until set and still pale. Rotate pans halfway. Cool on the pan 10 to 15 minutes, then move to a rack to cool completely.

Notes

Measure flour with the spoon and level method for a tender crumb.
Use light colored pans so the cookies stay pale.
If the dough feels sticky after scooping, chill the tray for 5 minutes before pressing with a fork.
For the neatest edges, swirl a round cutter around each warm cookie to tidy the sides.
Nutrition is an estimate and will vary by brands and sprinkle type.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 14 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 140 kcal
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 30 mg
Fat: 8 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 16 g
Fiber: 0 g
Protein: 1 g
Cholesterol: 22 mg

Find it online: https://wearerecipes.com/christmas-shortbread-cookies/