This Christmas will definitely be different. It will be less busy, more quiet and just generally more slow and restful. Although I would prefer the chaotic cheer of our usual holidays filled with friends and family, I suspect that one day we’ll look back on this year and wish we had embraced the simplicity just a little bit more.
This time at home with immediate family really is fleeting so I’ve decided to just settle in and go with it.
I’ve also decided that if I am settling in, I may as well have some good desserts and snacks nearby. Like, right beside me, while I watch The Holiday, Love Actually and Elf.
So I’m going to make a few recipes I love that remind me of family gatherings at Christmas… something rich, something salty and something cheesy. 🙂
Here are my three picks…
My grandma’s melt-in-your-mouth shortbread cookies.
My aunt’s how-many-people-can-you-cram-into-a-family-room nuts and bolts.
My sister’s Great Canadian Aged Cheddar Cheeseball. (I hope she likes the title.)
But let’s start with shortbreads (since this post is titled EASY Shortbread Cookie Recipe). I love shortbreads that are light and creamy. If that’s how you like your shortbreads too, this easy recipe is perfect. My daughter loves them too so we’ll classify this as kid approved to boot.
Shortbread Cookie Recipe
Ingredients
3 cups of flour
1 cup of icing sugar
1 pound of butter
½ cup of cornstarch
1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
Directions
Pre-heat oven to 325F.
Combine the butter and icing sugar in a mixing bowl.
Add flour and cornstarch, beat on low until just combined, and then beat on high until fluffy.
Refrigerate cookie dough for 30 minutes.
Bake at 325F for 20-25min.
Pro Tip: Don’t dump all the flour and cornstarch in the mixing stand at once and crank it to high. Trust me. Mix it up a bit slowly at first to prevent the dry ingredients from flying all over your kitchen.
Feel free to add a few sprinkles when they come out of the oven to make them look festive. Shortbreads also make a nice gift for an elderly friend or relative because they are a classic recipe and homemade ones are always better than what you buy in a store.
If you’d like to check out my other yummy holiday-inspired recipes you can find them here:
Homemade Nuts and Bolts Recipe
Aged Cheddar Cheeseball Recipe
So settle in, enjoy your cookies, and embrace the simple this Christmas! KJ
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