Easy Shortbread Cookies

It’s just not quite Christmas without shortbread cookies, is it?  These quick and delicious treats are so fun to make and the kids can join in the fun by customizing them!

Easy Shortbread Cookies | Simply Fresh Dinners

This cookie recipe belongs to a lovely woman that everyone affectionately calls, ‘Mrs. C’.  She is a friend and mother-like figure to more than just her own family and every holiday season she throws a Christmas celebration in her home for about 30 people  including a full dinner and presents.  Everyone looks forward to this all year round, especially the children and her shortbread cookies are definitely one of the highlights.

Easy Shortbread Cookies | Simply Fresh Dinners

My sister-in-law, Tammy and I  made these cookies (well, I took the photos and taste-tested, ha!) because Mrs. C was kind enough to share her recipe with her guests last year.   I can see why this recipe is such a hit – wow!

Easy Shortbread Cookies | Simply Fresh Dinners

I love a good shortbread and it seems that to achieve that you keep it simple.  You don’t need a blender for this and if you do use one,  you’ll need to melt the butter first.  I’m so enamoured with my new Vitamix that I want to use it with everything!

Easy Shortbread Cookies | Simply Fresh Dinners

Choose any kind of design you like and let the kids join in the fun.  I kept mine simple because I wanted to enjoy the shortbread flavours primarily but you can top it with whatever you like.

Easy Shortbread Cookies | Simply Fresh Dinners

What kind of cookies and treats does your family like best at Christmas?  If you’d like to share your recipe with me I’ll put together a collection of readers’ recipes so we can all join in the fun.  Just email me at [email protected].  You can also share your creations by #simplyfreshdinners on Instagram.  I want to see what you’re up to!  Cheers.

Special thanks to Mary Anne Collingbourne for sharing her scrumptious recipe with us!

Easy Shortbread Cookies

Print Recipe
Serves: Makes 20 cookies Cooking Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
  • 1/2 cup powdered fruit sugar
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 2 cups of all purpose flour ( I used Bob's Red Mill Gluten-Free Flour)

Instructions

1

Preheat oven to 350 F

2

Soften butter slightly - do not allow it to become oily

3

Stir in sugar, nutmeg and egg yolk, using a wooden spoon

4

Turn on a floured board and knead lightly, drawing in the flour until the time that a lump just begins to crack

5

Roll out the dough about 1/4 inch thick

6

Cut the dough into squares or use cookie cutters to shape

7

Place on an ungreased cookie sheet and bake in oven for 11-13 minutes. (This will vary - see notes below)

Notes

The baking time depends on the thickness of the dough mixture and may vary up to 20 minutes. Mrs. C uses a 1/4 inch dough mixture and her cookies are done in 11-13 minutes.

screenshot-2016-12-02-12-39-25

 

It's just not quite Christmas without shortbread cookies, is it? From Simpy Fresh Dinners

 

 

12 Comments

  • Reply
    Blair @ The Seasoned Mom
    December 2, 2016 at 2:44 pm

    Love the simple ingredient list! Nothing beats a classic shortbread cookie at this time of year. Mrs. C sounds like a very special lady!
    Blair @ The Seasoned Mom recently posted…Dreamy 6-Cup Ambrosia SaladMy Profile

  • Reply
    sue | theviewfromgreatisland
    December 2, 2016 at 2:44 pm

    That dough looks good enough to eat all by itself! I love shortbread, and I think the snowflake shapes are so pretty.
    sue | theviewfromgreatisland recently posted…Spinach and Artichoke QuicheMy Profile

  • Reply
    cheri
    December 2, 2016 at 3:05 pm

    Shortbread cookies are one of my favorites Christmas or not. Love how you decorated them. Wonder is the C in Mrs. C is short for Christmas? She sounds wonderful!
    cheri recently posted…Chestnut Mushroom SoupMy Profile

  • Reply
    Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
    December 2, 2016 at 4:02 pm

    What a classic! And so fun to decorate!
    Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine recently posted…Friday Finisher 12/2/16My Profile

  • Reply
    Bam's Kitchen
    December 2, 2016 at 4:05 pm

    How adorable are these cookies!! I also love the fact that your ingredient list is short…I’m not one who loves measuring, sifting etc So anything to reduce the steps in holiday baking is welcome. Sharing, of course!
    Bam’s Kitchen recently posted…22 Easy Dinner Party Pork RecipesMy Profile

  • Reply
    Anita Rivera
    December 2, 2016 at 4:49 pm

    Good evening dear heart!!!! I am so looking forward to heating up my oven, warming up the house, and getting out my rolling pin. This is the holiday season to me: baking, bringing back childhood memories through taste, sensations, and creating new memories. What gorgeous photos you share, and I wish you a fabulous December of celebration!

  • Reply
    Fida | Sweet and Savoury Pursuits
    December 2, 2016 at 8:59 pm

    Those cookies look fabulous, I love how simple and delicious shortbread is! So neat that you made these in your Vitamix!
    Fida | Sweet and Savoury Pursuits recently posted…Chocolate Cinnamon Swirl Bundt CakeMy Profile

  • Reply
    Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers
    December 5, 2016 at 10:23 am

    Absolutely perfect cookies! Love the snowflake shape and they look perfectly melt-in-your-mouth 🙂
    Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers recently posted…Invisible Apple CakeMy Profile

  • Reply
    geraldine | Green Valley Kitchen
    December 5, 2016 at 11:39 am

    Love shortbread cookies, Robyn and these are so cute – love the snowflake shape!
    geraldine | Green Valley Kitchen recently posted…Roasted Sweet Potatoes Stuffed with Quinoa and SpinachMy Profile

  • Reply
    Linda
    December 7, 2016 at 2:27 am

    These look so good. I am always looking for a great cookie recipe. Tasty little snacks to nibble on. I hope all is well Robyn. Lots of love to you from W.W. xo

  • Reply
    Emma Claire
    December 10, 2016 at 9:45 am

    Wow, great and easy recipe. My kids love cookies so I will make it today. Thank you very much for your sharing :).

  • Reply
    Sophia Gardner
    August 17, 2017 at 12:14 am

    A simple but tasty recipe! Cookie and hot tea are the perfect combination. Thanks for sharing

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