Baking cookies at Christmas is a tradition for many people. It brings families and friends together with the warm goodness of cookies fresh from the oven. As you bake this holiday season, take a minute to learn the origins of some of the foods we enjoy each Christmas. The "Food Timeline" is an interesting resource for all things food. According to their research, Christmas cookies as we know them today were created from Medieval European recipes. Dutch and German settlers brought cookie cutters, decorative molds, and festive holiday decorations to America. Christmas cookie recipes produce more than just a tasty sweet; they are a baking tradition steeped in history.
A delicious cookie that is so easy to make! Gearing up for the cookie exchange? Don't forget to add this one to the lineup! Scroll further down for more Christmas Cookies.
Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies
yield about 30 cookies
1/2 c. dried cranberries
3/4 c. granulated sugar
2 1/2 c. all purpose flour
1 c. cold unsalted butter, cut into chunks
1 tsp. almond extract (can substitute vanilla, changes the flavor, still yummy)
1 T. orange juice
zest of 1 orange
Line the baking sheet with Silpat or parchment
Combine cranberries and 1/4 cup sugar in a food processor and pulse just until the cranberries are broken down into smaller pieces. Set aside in a small bowl.
Put the flour and remaining sugar and butter into the processor and pulse until the mixture is small crumbs.
Add the extract, cranberries mixture, orange zest and orange juice and pulse a few more times. Turn out onto plastic wrap and form a log with you hands...about 2 inches in diameter.
Wrap in the plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours or up to 3 days.
Preheat oven to 325 F
Cut slices about 1/2 inch thick.
Place the cookies on the baking sheet about 1 inch apart and bake for 15 minutes or until set. Do not over bake. Mine took 15 minutes, but your oven may only take 13 minutes.
Remove from oven and let sit for a few minutes. Remove to cooling rack and let cool to room temperature.
*Store cookies in a air tight container for 3 days or freeze.
For more Christmas cookie ideas and recipes! Check these links out!!
Christmas cookies Part 1
Christmas cookies Part 2
Cranberry Pine nut Biscotti
Cornwall Gingerbread Cookies
This fun cake can be made in the instant pot or oven and is decorated easily with fondant!
I am baking this for the cookie exchange. Perfect!
ReplyDeletethey will be a hit I am certain! thanks for commenting! Cheers! JJ
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