Cookies and Christmas go hand in hand. That goes without saying. What kind of cookies you bake makes all the difference!
I’ll admit, I’m not much of a baker. My girls often do a day of baking with my Mom at her place, because if left up to me, I’ll buy from our local bakery instead of spending hours in the kitchen.
But I do like homemade shortbread. I mean, being able to sample and taste-test the buttery batter alone is enough motivation for me to bake a batch for my family every December!
It is lovely and flakey and delicious! It literally melts in your mouth. Which is what we want shortbread to do!
Cookies not only serve as a Christmas staple around the house and for family gatherings, but make a fantastic gift. Pick up some simple tins, gift bags or treat boxes and ribbon and package up a few for small gifts.This would be the perfect gift for the postman and garbage collector or anyone you’d like to express thanks to in a small way. It is the perfect gesture of thanks, without spending a lot, for this special time of year.
Check out Ocean Spray® for plenty more amazing recipes.
CRANBERRY SHORTBREAD COOKIES
INGREDIENTS
1 1/4 cups (300 mL) butter, softened
1 cup (250 mL) icing sugar
2 1/4 cups (550 mL) all purpose flour
1 pkg (142 g) Craisins® Dried Cranberries, chopped*
DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in flour, a little at a time. Stir in Craisins® Dried Cranberries.
Form dough into 1-inch (2.5 cm) balls. Place 1 dozen at a time on ungreased cookie sheets. Bake 15 to 17 minutes. Remove from sheets; cool slightly and sprinkle with icing sugar. Or use the bottom of a glass dipped in granulated sugar to flatten balls to rounds about 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter. Bake 12 to 14 minutes. Cool.
Package up as gifts!
*Posted in partnership with Ocean Spray®