I thought I was too good for shortbread. I thought surely I could make something better than a simple cookie that just combines butter, flour, and sugar. I mean, how good can those 3 things taste in combination with each other? Becky's easy Butter Cookies Recipe made me start to think about this.
SO GOOD. I'm a shortbread convert. I am a believer now! This batch of shortbread that I spiked with honey and vanilla is like a giant buttery graham cracker. It hit my taste buds like a slap in the face. A slap in the face that I needed, by the way. What was I thinking, acting like I was too good for a simple cookie? Simple is gooooood.
These cookies only have a handful of ingredients, but when they bake up in the oven and develop that brown crust, they start to taste like toffee and caramel. And graham crackers. And then you start craving a toasted marshmallow to sandwich between them.
You don't have to dip them in chocolate, but I think it really drives home that s'mores flavor. The cookies are just as good plain. I ate the first batch plain. And then I had romantic notions of summer being on its way and dreamt up adding chocolate and toasted marshmallows. Not a bad dream at all.
You might also love my Lemon Shortbread Cookies, too!
Honey Shortbread
Honey shortbread in a 9" pan.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey (your favorite variety)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup semisweet chocolate, chopped
- 2 teaspoons coconut oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350-degrees Fahrenheit, and lightly spray a 9” round springform pan with cooking spray. (You can also use a regular round cake pan, but be sure to spray it very well. If the pan isn’t nonstick, line the bottom with a circle of parchment paper).
- Slice the softened butter and add it to a medium bowl. It should be soft to the touch, but not room temperature. Add the powdered sugar, honey, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed with an electric mixer until homogeneous, about 1 minute.
- Next, add the flour and beat until just combined. Do not over mix.
- Transfer the dough to the cake pan. Dip your fingers in flour, and use them to push the dough out into an even circle. It should be about ¼” thick. It is important to ensure an even height across the pan.
- Next, prick the dough all over with a fork, about 25 times.
- Place the cake pan on a baking sheet, and bake for 32-34 minutes. Do not be afraid of a golden brown color—this is what gives the cookies caramel and the best flavor.
- Let the shortbread cool for 1 minute, then pop open the springform pan (if using). Using a pizza wheel, cut the dough into 8 or 10 slices, however big you like your shortbread cookies. If using a regular cake pan, careful tilt the shortbread out of the pan, and then remove the parchment paper. Slice into 8-10 slices.
- Let the shortbread cool completely.
- In a small glass bowl, add the chocolate and coconut oil. Pulse in the microwave for 20 second pulses, stirring between each pulse, until the chocolate is almost melted all the way. Remove it from the microwave, and stir to melt the chocolate fully—the heat of the bowl should melt it completely.
- Dip each shortbread cookie in the chocolate, and move to wax paper to set. To speed up setting, place in the refrigerator to set.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
8Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 241Total Fat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 3mgCarbohydrates: 34gFiber: 1gSugar: 20gProtein: 2g
Megan | Allergy Free Alaska says
These look phenomenal! And yes - must dip in chocolate! That's definitely not an option! ;)
Dorothy at Shockingly Delicious says
Wow do these look good. I would LOVE to make them. BTW, the link doesn't lead to them. I searched the KGold site and here's the link: http://kerrygoldusa.com/recipes/honey-shortbread-dipped-in-chocolate
Christina Lane says
Oh gosh, I'm so sorry! let me check with my contacts at Kerrygold as to why! Sorry again!
Paula - bell'alimento says
Oh dipping in chocolate is definitely mandatory ; )
Chandra@The Plaid & Paisley Kitchen says
We are big shortbread lovers here! I make a batch for every holiday of the year. I am going to try your version with the honey! So yum!
Michelle | A Dish of Daily Life says
Wow! This just looks so wonderful! Shortbread is so good...heading over to get the recipe now!
Anna @ Crunchy Creamy Sweet says
Shortbread cookies are my favorite for the holidays. Especially dipped in chocolate! These are gorgeous!
Cookin Canuck says
Shortbread has been a holiday favorite of mine every since I was a kid. Sometimes the simplest recipes are the best and your version looks so good!
Katie says
I thought you might want to know that your link to the recipe no longer works. I did find the recipe and this is the link that works.
http://kerrygoldusa.com/blog/2015/03/honey-shortbread-from-guest-blogger-dessertfortwo
Susan says
The advertising on this website is totally too much and out of control.
Christina Lane says
I'm sorry you feel that way. My recipes are free to you.
lee says
The link to the recipe gives a "404 not found" - it seems to have moved. I searched and found it on http://www.kerrygoldusa.com/recipes/honey-shortbread-dipped-in-chocolate/