Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Special Equipment Needed:
- Heart-shaped cookie cutter
- Rolling pin
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and mix until a dough forms.
6. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to ¼ inch thickness.
7. Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out cookies and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden.
9. Allow the cookies to cool before serving.
Time:
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Temperature: 350°F
Serving Size: Makes about 24 cookies
Nutritional Information (per cookie):
Calories: 80
Fat: 5g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 1g
Substitutions for Ingredients:
- For the butter, you can use margarine or coconut oil.
- For the sugar, you can use brown sugar or coconut sugar.
Variations:
- Add ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the dough for a spiced flavor.
- Add ½ cup of chopped nuts or dried fruit to the dough for added texture and flavor.
Tips and Tricks:
- For a crispier cookie, roll out the dough to ⅛ inch thickness.
- For a softer cookie, roll out the dough to ½ inch thickness.
Storage Instructions:
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Reheating Instructions:
Reheat the cookies in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes.
Presentation Ideas:
- Serve the cookies on a platter with a variety of other cookies.
- Place the cookies in a heart-shaped tin for a special gift.
Garnishes:
- Sprinkle the cookies with powdered sugar for a sweet touch.
- Drizzle the cookies with melted chocolate for a decadent treat.
Pairings:
- Serve the cookies with a cup of hot tea or coffee.
- Enjoy the cookies with a scoop of ice cream for a delicious dessert.
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Serve the cookies with a side of fresh fruit.
- Enjoy the cookies with a glass of cold milk.
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the dough is too dry, add a tablespoon of water at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
- If the cookies are too soft, bake them for a few minutes longer.
Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing.
- Make sure the cookies are completely cooled before storing.
Food History:
Shortbread cookies have been around since the 12th century and were originally made with just three ingredients: flour, sugar, and butter.
Flavor Profiles:
The cookies have a sweet and buttery flavor with a light and crumbly texture.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the cookies as an after-dinner treat.
- Enjoy the cookies with a cup of hot cocoa.
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