Cooking Thursday: Holiday Shortbread

 

Hello dear Friends and Happy Fri-yay Eve! :) 

It's not quite as cold in the northwoods today and finally warmed up a bit into the 30's. We may get a little snow but I'll take that over being freezing all the time. 

My home smells so good right now! I felt like baking this AM and I had bananas to use, and instead of making my usual banana bread I wanted to make something different. And a bit healthier. So I made banana oat muffins. They turned out so yummy and I will share that recipe next week. 

But today I wanted to share this recipe so I can put it in my recipe tab for future reference...as I forgot to share this recipe and add it back in December. It's for a holiday shortbread that turned out so well and was so delicious that I may make some next year as gifts for folks. 

I had always wanted a shortbread mold and my Aaron got me one for Mother's Day or my birthday (I forget when?). And back in later December I decided to try it out on this holiday shortbread. I had made regular shortbread several times. And even this lilac shortbread a few years ago. But when I came across this buttery citrus version that was so Christmasy...I had to give it a go. I found that recipe at a site called entertainingwithbeth.com 

So I made up the dough as directed and when ready to bake I put it into the mold. It baked up and turned out great! 

Matt and I had ours with small mugs of homemade stovetop cocoa. As this was when we were still indulging. 😋 I had followed a fun tip I found that said to make or spray little mounds of whipped cream with sprinkles on top of parchment paper and place in the freezer for about 1/2 an hour to an hour. They were perfect to put in the hot cocoa and slowly dissolve. I recommend that tip for your next holiday fun. 

We topped our shortbread cookies with a little bit of berry jelly, as whenever I make shortbread my kids always liked it topped with jam - so I've gotten used to that. Lol I bet a homemade cranberry or raspberry kind of jam would be amazing! 

They were so buttery and that orange zest really came through and gave them that holiday vibe. You don't need a mold to make them. You could do them in an 8x8 pan too. I think they would make a fun Valentines treat too and enjoy them with some tea. Maybe even give as a Galentines gift along with some tea. 💗 

Here's the recipe:

If you're still freezing and dealing with snow in your world - stay cozy! If you try this recipe I hope you enjoy. 

xoxo