In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, there’s something truly comforting about treating yourself to a homemade sweet treat. Today, we have a delightful recipe that promises to bring warmth and coziness to your home – Easy Canadian Shortbread Cookies. These buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies are a classic Canadian favorite and are sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Let’s jump into the kitchen and create some delicious memories!
**Easy Canadian Shortbread Cookies**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
– Additional sugar for dusting (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the pure vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture and beat well to combine.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt until well mixed.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing until a smooth dough forms. If desired, fold in the finely chopped pecans or walnuts for an added crunch.
6. Once the dough is ready, shape it into a disk and wrap it in plastic wrap. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to firm up.
7. After chilling, roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes and carefully transfer them to the prepared baking sheet.
8. If you’d like, you can sprinkle the cookies with a bit of additional sugar before baking for a touch of sweetness and sparkle.
9. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
10. Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy the buttery goodness of these Easy Canadian Shortbread Cookies with a cup of tea or coffee!
These delightful cookies are perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying by yourself as a little pick-me-up during the day. Their simplicity and rich flavor make them a wonderful addition to any gathering or as a thoughtful homemade gift. So, the next time you’re in the mood for some baking therapy, whip up a batch of these Easy Canadian Shortbread Cookies and indulge in a taste of home.
