The holiday season is full of traditions and my favorite is baking my mom’s cookies. As soon as I hear Christmas music I crave her chocolate peanut butter balls! I haven’t had the chance to make any this year, so she promised to have a batch waiting for us when we visit Seattle! My other favorite recipe is her chocolate dipped shortbread cookies. It’s a really simple recipe, but so delicious and festive! When I lived close to home I would always help dip them in the chocolate while we listened to the Hanson Christmas CD (I know it’s Hanson, but it’s so good! Or maybe it just brings back good childhood memories haha). With the leftover chocolate we would make chocolate-covered spoons, which are perfect for stirring hot chocolate or just eating plain. I’m a chocolate addict. Just another thing I can thank my mom for.
Sometimes we will add sprinkles, but I tried something a little different this year and dusted them with crushed candy canes. I like the added peppermint flavor, plus they look very festive! I used traditional Christmas cookie cutter shapes, but also put my University of Washington “W” to good use since we play Alabama in the Peach Bowl on New Year’s Eve. I know we have our work cut out for us, but it’s been fun to see our team finally do well! I’ll have to make another batch before the game for good luck ;) the great thing about this recipe is that it can be used year-round, not just for the holidays. Chocolate dipped shortbread cookies are delicious any time of year! Think Halloween, Valentine’s Day and Easter shapes!
Another note about the recipe: I used some paraffin wax in the chocolate to make it nice and smooth, but this isn’t necessary. Check out this article if you want to learn more about what it is and how it’s used in cooking. It’s edible and doesn’t add any flavor. It just helps the chocolate look a little shinier.
What are your favorite Christmas cookies to make? Do you have any baking traditions?
| Servings |
1 – 2 dozen, depending on the cookie cutter size
|
- 1 cup butter
- 7 Tbsp. sugar
- 1/2 tsp. vanilla
- 2 1/2 cups flour
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 1 bag semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 inch cube paraffin wax optional
- 1 box candy canes crushed
Ingredients
|
|
- Preheat oven to 315 degrees.
- In the bowl of a standing mixer, beat the butter and sugar until fluffy. Mix in vanilla. Add flour and salt, then mix until combined. Sometimes it helps to use your hands to create a solid mixture of dough.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface until it's about 1/3 inch thick. Used desired cookie cutters and place on baking sheet. Bake for about 14 minutes, until the edges start to look golden. Let cool on the baking sheet for a couple minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
- Line a couple baking sheets with wax paper and set aside. Once cookies are cooled, melt the chocolate chips and paraffin wax in a double boiler. Dip the cookies halfway, gently shaking to remove excess chocolate. Place on prepared baking sheet and sprinkle with crushed candy canes. Place in refrigerator to harden (I usually store them in the fridge, too).
The Comments
Amanda Pamblanco
yumm! so simple and cute!
xx,
amanda
http://www.thegirlfromvegas.com
Antonia Genov
Yummy and so festive! Merry Christmas :)
Kasie Chelanne
These look delicious! I didn’t know you’re a Husky, I am too! I’m so anxious about the game and am not even going to necessarily be able to watch it because I’ll be in London. I’m NOT okay with that reality. Go Dawgs!
Cielo Fronteras
These look so cute and yummy! What a great recipe!
– Cielo
Mermaid in Heels
Kate @ Green Fashionista
YUM! Love how festive and delish these look! Perfect with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa <3
Green Fashionista
Jacquard Flower
Oh wow another delicious recipe. I would love to make these. Gemma x
http://www.jacquardflower.uk
WhatWouldVWear
Love the recipe, babe! Your cookies came out so good! I love baking and I will definitely save your recipe!
xoxo, Vanessa
http://www.WhatWouldVWear.com
Vanessa
The cookies look absolutely amazing. I tried to do something similar but it ended in a total disaster. I will definitely try your recipe out and hope for the best!
Your pictures are amazing!
Candice Petersen
OMG these look so good
Candice | Beauty Candy Loves