12.12.2011

1st Day of Christmas Cookies

 
Shortbread Cookies
 Ina Garten, All Rights Reserve

  • Prep Time: 30 min
  • Inactive Prep Time: 1 hr 30 min
  • Cook Time: 30 min
  • Level: Intermediate
  • Serves: about 3 dozen cookies
  • Ingredients

    • 3/4 pound unsalted butter, at room temperature
    • 1 cup sugar, plus extra for sprinkling
    • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
    • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
    • 1/4 teaspoon salt
    • 6 to 7 ounces very good semisweet chocolate, very finely chopped

    Directions

    Preheat the oven to 350º F.

    In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, mix together the butter and 1 cup of sugar until they are just combined. Add the vanilla. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour and salt, then add them to the butter-and-sugar mixture. Mix on low speed until the dough starts to come together. Dump onto a surface dusted with flour and shape into a flat disk, about 1-inch thick. Wrap in plastic and chill for 30 minutes, until firm but still pliable.

    Roll the dough 1/2-inch thick on a lightly floured surface and cut with a 3-by-1-inch finger-shaped cutter. Place the cookies on an ungreased baking sheet and sprinkle with sugar. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the edges begin to brown. Allow to cool to room temperature.

    Drizzle or dip 1/2 of each cookie with just enough chocolate to coat it. Place the cookie back on the parchment-lined baking sheet and let stand at room temperature until the chocolate has firmed up, about 20 minutes.

    Cook's Note: If a 3-by-1-inch cookie cutter is not available, you can cut the shortbread into rectangles using a fluted pastry wheel for decorative edges or simple cut with a butter knife. 

    via foodnetwork.com

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