Lennie's Heavenly Shortbread Delights
Experience the melt-in-your-mouth magic of Lennie's Heavenly Shortbread Delights. This signature recipe produces irresistibly tender cookies that embody the spirit of the holidays with every buttery bite. Crafted effortlessly using a food processor, this easy-to-follow recipe guarantees consistent results. Not only are these cookies delightful fresh from the oven, but they also freeze beautifully, making them the perfect addition to any festive gathering or family treat. Whether enjoyed plain or adorned with colorful sprinkles, they'll become a cherished part of your holiday traditions.
50
Servings
50
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
1 cup (cold, chopped into chunks)
Icing Sugar
1/2 cup (sifted)
Cornstarch
1/2 cup (sifted)
All-Purpose Flour
1 1/2 cups (sifted)
Vanilla Extract
1/2 teaspoon (pure)
Instructions
1
Begin by chopping the cold butter into small chunks for easy processing.
2
In a food processor fitted with a metal blade, cream the chopped butter and sifted icing sugar together for about one minute, stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3
Carefully add the sifted cornstarch, flour, and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar. Process the mixture with several short on/off pulses until it just comes together and forms a cohesive dough around the blade.
4
Wrap the dough in wax paper and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. While it chills, prepare a second batch using the remaining ingredients with another 1 cup of cold butter, and refrigerate that dough as well.
5
Once fully chilled, remove the dough from the refrigerator. Shape rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into small balls, placing them onto an ungreased shiny cookie sheet.
6
Flatten each ball gently using a fork dipped in icing sugar, or use a cookie press or a halved cherry/nut for a decorative touch.
7
If desired, sprinkle colored sugars or sprinkles on top of each cookie for added festive flair.
8
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes, keeping an eye on them; the edges should be very lightly browned but the centers should remain pale.
9
Allow the cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Information
3.2g
Fat
5g
Carbs
0.6g
Protein
1.2g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Lennie's Heavenly Shortbread Delights?
They are signature melt-in-your-mouth shortbread cookies that are irresistibly tender and buttery, perfect for holiday traditions.
How many cookies does this recipe produce?
This recipe makes approximately 50 servings or cookies.
What are the main ingredients in these shortbread cookies?
The five main ingredients are cold butter, sifted icing sugar, sifted cornstarch, sifted all-purpose flour, and pure vanilla extract.
Why is cornstarch used in this recipe?
Cornstarch is added to the flour to create an exceptionally tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture characteristic of fine shortbread.
Should the butter be at room temperature?
No, the recipe specifically calls for cold butter chopped into small chunks for the best results in the food processor.
What kitchen appliance is best for making this dough?
A food processor fitted with a metal blade is recommended for effortlessly creating the dough.
How long should I cream the butter and icing sugar?
You should cream them together for about one minute until the mixture is light and fluffy.
What is the best way to incorporate the dry ingredients?
Use several short on/off pulses in the food processor until the mixture just comes together and forms a cohesive dough.
Do I need to refrigerate the dough?
Yes, the dough should be wrapped in wax paper and refrigerated for at least 30 minutes before shaping.
How do I shape the cookies?
Shape rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into small balls and place them on an ungreased cookie sheet.
How do I flatten the cookie balls?
Gently flatten each ball using a fork dipped in icing sugar, or alternatively use a cookie press.
Can I add decorations to the shortbread?
Yes, you can add a halved cherry, a nut, or sprinkle colored sugars and festive sprinkles on top before baking.
What is the recommended baking temperature?
The cookies should be baked in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C).
How long do the cookies need to bake?
Bake them for 12-15 minutes, ensuring the edges are very lightly browned while the centers remain pale.
What type of cookie sheet should I use?
The recipe recommends using an ungreased shiny cookie sheet.
How should I cool the cookies?
Allow them to cool slightly on the baking sheet first, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Are these cookies freezer-friendly?
Yes, these shortbread delights freeze beautifully, making them great for advance holiday preparation.
How many calories are in one cookie?
Each cookie contains approximately 50 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 3.2 grams of fat per cookie.
What is the carbohydrate content per cookie?
Each cookie has 5 grams of carbohydrates.
How much sugar is in each shortbread delight?
There is 1.2 grams of sugar per serving.
Is there any protein in these cookies?
Each cookie provides approximately 0.6 grams of protein.
What kind of vanilla should I use?
The recipe suggests using pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.
Do I need to sift the dry ingredients?
Yes, the icing sugar, cornstarch, and all-purpose flour should all be sifted.
Can I make a double batch?
The instructions suggest preparing a second batch with the remaining ingredients while the first is chilling.
What is the texture of these cookies like?
They have a signature melt-in-your-mouth, tender, and buttery texture.
Can I use a cookie press with this dough?
Yes, a cookie press is mentioned as a decorative option for shaping the cookies.
Should the cookie sheet be greased?
No, you should use an ungreased cookie sheet.
What color should the cookies be when finished?
The centers should remain pale, with only the edges being very lightly browned.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, the use of a food processor and simple steps make this an easy-to-follow recipe with consistent results.