Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Maybe...just maybe...

We'll have a white Christmas after all!

According to the weather forecast, this was supposed to be rain...



I don't know how much snow we're supposed to get but they were saying that places about 40 miles up the Valley from us could get as much as 8-10".  

This is heavy packing snow, the perfect kind for building snowmen but I doubt that it will last long because the ground hasn't frozen yet.  But it does look nice, doesn't it?



So what's a gal to do on a day like today when she's stuck indoors?  Why bake some shortbread cookies, of course!



I've already baked one batch but they only lasted two days.  They happen to be Mr. Painted Quilt's favorites.  Okay, I admit it...mine too!  

If you'd like to make some yourself, I promise that this is the easiest, virtually fail-proof recipe for shortbread cookies you'll ever make...and the tastiest, melt-in-your-mouth ones too!  

Here's the recipe!

Shortbread Cookies

1 lb. soft butter
1 C icing or confectioner's sugar
3 C flour
1/2 C corn starch
2 tsp vanilla

Place all ingredients in a bowl and whip for about 10-12 minutes.  Roll dough into a little ball then slightly flatten and place on an ungreased cookie sheet that has been lined with parchment paper.  

I placed red and green glazed cherries in the center of mine but you can decorate them however you please.

Bake at 350F for about 10 minutes. Do not overbake.  Allow to cool completely then transfer to your favorite cookie tin.  Makes about 50 cookies!

Hint:  You'd better hide them because they won't last long, especially if you have a similar two-legged mouse roaming around your kitchen!

It smells divine in my kitchen!


50 comments:

Clara {Clover and Violet} said...

Yummy, shortbread are a favorite in our family!! Enjoy that pretty snow!

gracie said...

Love shortbread cookies...must try these. I made your Sunflower pincushion this morning...thank you for sharing!

Kate/Massachusetts said...

I'm going to make these ASAP! They sound wonderful! I think I might put a chocolate kiss in the center of a few of them! lol

Lesley said...

Love your white rain! And really wish your cookies were baking in my oven now! I bet it smells really good...you better set a mouse trap!

Darlene D said...

Oh Kaaren, the snow is so pretty! We got a bit here, but mostly rain! Your cookies look yummy!

Robin at The Primitive Hutch said...

Such Beautiful pics Kaaren!
We're suppose to get hit with a snowstorm to arrive later tonight and snow all day tomorrow with blizzard like conditions.
Let it snow ~ Let it snow!!!
Dreaming of a White Christmas here in WI!!!
Yum!!! I Love cookies!!!
TFS
Prim Blessings
Robin

Andra Gayle said...

your rain turned out to be snow. our snow turned out to be rain. We are less than thrilled with our lack of white!

Teresa F. said...

The cookies look delicious! My mouth is watering. I have to try your recipe.
Merry Christmas!

Kindred Quilts said...

I can almost smell the shortbread cookies all the way here in Iowa! And the snow looks so wonderful! Happy holidays!

Diane said...

Thank you! I had "bake cookies" on my list of things to do today, and now I have a new recipe to try!!!

moosecraft said...

Mmmmmm... fresh baked shortbread cookies on a snowy day! Yum!

Abby and Stephanie said...

I'm in a cookie coma myself right now! Thanks for sharing your recipe. If I eat more cookies I'll need holsters for my hips! Lovely snow...glad it's there and not here but I would love a White Christmas.

Karen said...

picture perfect - I hope you have a white Christmas.

Rose M. said...

Yummy looking cookies. Congratulations Kaaren on your latest news! I just now read the last several entries on your blog. Thank you also for your December First Friday gift to us all. Have a Merry & Peaceful Christmas!

Rose M. said...

Yummy looking cookies. Congratulations Kaaren on your latest news! I just now read the last several entries on your blog. Thank you also for your December First Friday gift to us all. Have a Merry & Peaceful Christmas!

WoolenSails said...

We are getting the rain, rather have the snow, lol.
I love to CC ski, so at least I can get outside, but the rain is just wet.

Debbie

Cindy said...

White rain...like it. Ours is wet rain, LOL

Heartsdesire said...

I just made those same cookies this morning, and ginger shortbreads yesterday. No snow here where I live, but very very strong winds, and lots of rain. Most of the ferry sailings between Vancouver Island and the mainland (Vancouver) have been cancelled so far today because of the wind. There is snow further up the island though. Enjoy those cookies, I know I'm going to enjoy mine.

Sheila said...

They closed schools here today in preparation for a storm that did not happen , we did not get snow , we had a little rain but I was so hoping we would have a white Christmas , not looking good.Thanks for the recipe for the cookies ,they look yummy. I also just read your previous post and I am thrilled to hear your good news , that is wonderful and the best possible present you could have received!! Hugs Sheila

Needled Mom said...

It looks so Christmasy and pretty. The cookies look delicious.

Shirley--Knot-y Embroidery Lady said...

Merry Christmas to you and to your tummy - looking forward to trying your recipe - soon! Hugs

Carin said...

Thanks for the recipe, they look yummy !!
That snow is looking so pretty, I wish we had some too in the coming next days.

Sandy said...

We are supposed to get wet rain Thursday changing to the white stuff for Friday. It would be nice to have a little here in NE Ohio for Christmas. Yummy cookies!!

QuiltinGram said...

Great minds think alike Kaaren,
We ended up with an all day dump of snow as well (Chilliwack, BC) so I made shortbread cookies. Your recipe is almost the same as mine. Mine doen't have vanilla and uses a full cup of cornstarch..was my Mom's.
QuiltinGram
cathyc1950@gmail.com

Pam in IL said...

We have a snow storm headed our way tomorrow. It's starting out as rain and with any luck we'll have mostly rain. The weather people are saying that our winds are going to be up to 50 mph which we don't need with snow.

Your cookies look so yummy. I think I can almost smell how good they are! Thanks for the recipe. I'll have to try it this weekend.

Sue said...

I will have to keep dreaming about a white Christmas, because the forecast is for 104F here in Perth on Christmas Day and 109F on Boxing Day. The snow does look lovely and your biscuits look fabulous, too! Thank you so much for sharing the recipe. I will be baking some with the air conditioner on over the weekend.

Kris said...

Yum!! Definitely MY favorite cookie and I hope the snow sticks around for Christmas!! I am hoping the same for here in Logan too!!

Janet O. said...

Shortbread is a favorite of our family. I made it for my oldest daughter's wedding reception.

Janet-Olde Crow Primitives said...

Thanks so much for the recipe Kaaren. Your yard looks perfect with all that snow.. Hopefully we will get some of that here in Ontario.
Have a great day.
Janet

Janet said...

That sounds like a recipe I can even bake in my 1920's oven. Can't wait to try it tomorrow.
Your snow looks wonderful. We are having gale force winds here in Texas.
Merry Christmas

JudyCinNC said...

Shortbread is a favorite of ours - maybe DWH would make us some as I broke my arm last week and he is having to learn a lot of things. I think I have job security!!! judy c sends warm wishes for a beautiful white Christmas.

Candace said...

Beautiful snow and cookies, Kaaren! I seem to have one of those 2 legged mouse in my kitchen, too! We have terribly high winds and no snow - please send some of that white stuff ;>)
Cheers!

GerryART said...

I just may have to break out the baking paraphernalia.

Merry Christmas ! !

hugs

SewCalGal said...

Definitely looks like you are going to have a White Christmas. News sounds like you are getting a big one, so I do hope you stay warm and safe....and enjoy a spectacular White Christmas.

Thanks for the shortbread recipe. I love shortbread cookies and look forward to making these. This weekend is my time for some baking.

SewCalGal
www.sewcalgal.blogspot.com

Mary Ellen said...

Thanks for the recipe i am going too give them a try.

John'aLee said...

Yum yum! These look delish!

roccagal said...

Merry Christmas to you and your family Kaaren and a wish for a healthy and Happy New Year for all!

I use the same recipe for ashortbread-its my fave!

Judy said...

So Happy to read you wonderful news of your health....God Bless you and have a very Merry CHRISTmas

Sandra said...

The recipe; do you use salted, or unsalted butter?
We're getting the snow, thankfully this was the last day of school for 2 weeks, so no worries about having to go out to school (or work!)
Merry Christmas from New Brunswick!

Fiona said...

Hi Kaaren, I have always been a bit afraid to try shortbread for some reason but your recipe looks lovely and easy so I made some today with great success.. thank you...
and all the best for a very merry christmas

Hugz

terry said...

I love shortbread and am anxious to try your recipe. I have two questions - is icing sugar powdered sugar as opposed to granulated sugar? And how do you determine a lb of butter? How many cubes would this be? Merry Christmas and continued good health for you in 2013.

Terry

Anonymous said...

Best wishes for a great Holiday Season and a happy healty New Year for you and yours. Thanks for the great recipe and the great make-it projecy - both are keepers.

Janet in Hall's Harbour

Merilyn said...

That snow looks very inviting Kaaren, especially after some of the high temps we've been experiencing here Downunder this past couple of weeks, just hope Christmas Day won't be too much of a hot one! All the very best to you and your family over the Christmas holiday!

ann said...

Kaaren
You talked about someplace that had labels for your quilts. I thought I would have some made for my rugs Thanks and have a Merry Christmas
Ann

Marie said...

I want a cookie! I love those. I am not much of a baker but I just might give these a try...thanks or sharing.

Have a wonderful holiday.

Dee said...

This recipe was a hit here, although I did use almonds instead of cherries as I am the only one that likes cherries ad as I have just been diagnosed as diabetic I can only have one or two.

Jane in Cumbria said...

Yummy........snow AND shortbread...!

Marit Johanne said...

Your cookies looks yummy! I hope you get the white Christmas! Here in Norway it is snowing very light snow tonight. I wish you a happy Christmas!

Unknown said...

Well, it is official, I have made my very first batch of Shortbread Cookies with your receipe! TRUE STORY, I have never ever made them before but your's looked sooooo good and easy to make and are they ever good... Thank you so much for the inspiriation. Imagine not doing this before in my life...I am dumbfounded.
I wish you the Merriest Christmas and Cheers to Health, Happines and Love in 2013
As always

Jeanne said...

Thanks for sharing your recipe. I love shortbread cookies! Happy New Year!