There is something about the holiday season that is synonymous with baking. One of my fondest holiday memories is gathering around our kitchen table and making cutout sugar cookies with my mom and brother.
Whether it is Christmas or Hanukkah, the holidays are built on two things; family and food, and over the next couple of weeks I will be sharing some of my family’s most treasured holiday recipes!
Holiday baked goods also make for excellent gifts. Every year I bake cookies or make apple butter for my co-workers and as hostess gifts when attending dinner parties. I like to think that homemade gifts make the most thoughtful gifts.
One recipe that has made its place in my childhood memories has to be my mom’s shortbread cookies. I have yet to come across any other cookie that measures up. Maybe it’s because of the nostalgic feelings that I get whenever I eat one, but these shortbreads are sure to put you and your guests in the holiday spirit.
Karen’s Whipped Shortbread Cookies
Makes 60-75 cookies
Ingredients
2 cups of unsalted butter, softened.
1 cup of icing sugar, sifted
½ cup cornstarch
1 tsp vanilla
3 cups of all-purpose flour
Optional: 1 cup chocolate chips or cherries
Directions
1. Cream butter and icing sugar together with electric mixed until light and fluffy. Beat in cornstarch and vanilla.
2. Gradually add flour, beating until mixture is very light and fluffy.
3. Drop by teaspoons onto a sheet pan lined with parchment paper.
4. Top cookies with chocolate chips or cherries
5. Bake at 325F for 12 minutes.