Spring Flower Shortbread Cookies

Delightful Spring Flower Shortbread Cookies

Spring has arrived, and with it comes the vibrant beauty of blooming flowers! What better way to celebrate the season than with a batch of delightful Spring Flower Shortbread Cookies? These cookies are not only a tasty treat but also a feast for the eyes, making them perfect for spring gatherings, tea parties, or simply to enjoy with your loved ones.

Ingredients

To create these delicious shortbread cookies, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Cookies

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)

For the Decoration

  • Royal icing (in various colors)
  • Edible glitter (optional)
  • Flower-shaped cookie cutters or any desired shapes

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

  1. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer.
  2. Add the vanilla extract and almond extract (if using) to the mixture and continue to mix.
  3. Gradually sift in the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing until the dough comes together. The dough should be soft but not sticky.

Step 2: Chill the Dough

  1. Divide the dough into two equal portions, shape each into a disc, and wrap them in plastic wrap.
  2. Refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour. This step prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.

Step 3: Roll and Cut the Cookies

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Once the dough is chilled, remove one disc from the refrigerator. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
  3. Use flower-shaped cookie cutters to cut out the cookies and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Gather scraps, re-roll, and cut more cookies until the dough is used up.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

  1. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-baking.
  2. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Decorate

  1. While the cookies are cooling, prepare your royal icing in various colors.
  2. Once cooled, decorate the cookies using piping bags or small brushes to create beautiful flower designs. Add edible glitter for a springtime sparkle!

Serving Suggestions

These Spring Flower Shortbread Cookies are not only delectable but can also be presented beautifully. Arrange them on a lovely tray or plate and serve them at your next gathering. Pair them with a fragrant cup of tea or coffee for an extra special touch.

Conclusion

Baking these Spring Flower Shortbread Cookies is a delightful way to embrace the season’s bounty. With their buttery texture and charming designs, these cookies will surely bring joy to anyone who tastes them. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to spread some springtime cheer with these delicious treats!

Happy baking!