During the festive season in the United Kingdom, baking and sharing delicious treats with family and friends is a beloved tradition. One classic Christmas recipe that is sure to delight your loved ones is the Apricot and Nut Shortbread. This delightful combination of buttery shortbread, sweet apricots, and crunchy nuts creates a wonderful treat perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy evenings by the fire.
Title: Apricot And Nut Shortbread
Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped
– 1/2 cup mixed nuts (such as pecans, walnuts, or almonds), chopped
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Gradually add the flour to the butter mixture, mixing until a dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
4. Gently fold in the chopped dried apricots, mixed nuts, and salt until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
5. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/2 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes, such as traditional rounds or festive holiday shapes.
6. Carefully transfer the cut-out shortbread cookies to the prepared baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each cookie.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
8. Remove from the oven and allow the shortbread cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Once cooled, these delightful Apricot and Nut Shortbread cookies are ready to be enjoyed with a cup of tea, shared with loved ones, or even gifted as a homemade holiday treat.
These Apricot and Nut Shortbread cookies are a delightful twist on the classic shortbread recipe, adding a touch of sweetness from the dried apricots and a satisfying crunch from the mixed nuts. They are perfect for serving at holiday gatherings, gifting to friends and family, or simply enjoying as a cozy treat during the festive season. Make a batch of these delightful cookies and bring some festive cheer to your home this Christmas!
