Description
Holiday Blossom Cookies Simple Shortbread are soft, buttery cookies with a delicate crumb and a rich chocolate center. Made with simple pantry ingredients and alcohol-free vanilla flavor, these cookies are easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. Their melt-in-your-mouth texture combined with a sweet chocolate topping makes them a classic favorite for home bakers.
Ingredients
1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, softened
2/3 cup (85 g) powdered sugar, sifted
2 teaspoons alcohol-free vanilla flavor (Simply Organic Alcohol-Free Vanilla Flavor or Watkins Clear Vanilla Flavor)
2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour, leveled
1/8 teaspoon fine salt
30 milk chocolate kisses, unwrapped
1/4 cup sprinkles or colored sugar (optional)
Instructions
• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat
• In a large bowl, beat softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy, about one minute
• Add alcohol-free vanilla flavor and mix until fully combined
• Add salt and 1 cup of flour, mixing until incorporated
• Add remaining flour and mix until dough begins to form and looks slightly crumbly
• Gently knead the dough with your hands until it forms a smooth ball without overmixing
• Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll into 1-inch balls
• Roll dough balls in sprinkles or colored sugar if desired
• Place cookies on prepared baking sheet and slightly flatten each ball
• Bake for 13 to 15 minutes until edges are set but not browned
• Remove from oven and immediately press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie
• Transfer cookies to a cooling rack and allow them to cool completely before serving
Notes
Shortbread dough may appear crumbly at first but will come together when gently pressed
Use high-quality butter for the best flavor and texture
Avoid overbaking to maintain a soft and tender crumb
Press chocolate kisses immediately after baking so they adhere properly
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days
Dough can be frozen for up to 2 months and baked directly from frozen with slight time adjustment
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American