Wednesday 7 December 2011

The Great Online Cookie Exchange

I missed last year's cookie exchange organised by JZ so made sure I didn't this year.

Shortbread is one of my favourite biscuits. Traditionally Scottish.

Royal Chocolate Dipped Shortbread Biscuits.

What you need -

2 Baking trays
Baking paper
Biscuit cutters (whatever shape you want) I use hearts but starts are good for this time of the year.
2 bowls
1 heatproof bowl
Electric mixer (or hand held)
Saucepan
Rolling pin
Wooden Spoon (yes there are other uses for the wooden spoon)

Ingredients:
260grams plain flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
226 grams unsalted butter (room temperature and cut up)
60 grams icing sugar + extra for sprinkling
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the chocolate -
180 grams semi sweet chocolate, finely chopped.


Now let's get started -

First you need an apron



In one of the bowls mix the flour and salt and set aside
In the other bowl beat the butter until smooth and creamy
Add the sugar and beat again until smooth
Next add the vanilla and beat again
Gently stir in the flour and salt mixture (stir well)
Flatten the dough and chill for around 1 hour


No eggs to beat in this recipe


Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
Line both trays with baking paper


On a lightly floured surface but be careful you don't get flour all over you.


Roll our the dough into about 6cm thick circles
Lightly flour your cookie cutters and cut out (this recipe makes around 20 biscuits depending on the shape you use.)
Put them on the prepared baking trays and sprinkle all over with a little icing sugar
Place in fridge for about 15 minutes (this helps the biscuits keep their shape while cooking)
Bake on middle shelf for around 8-10 minutes or until they are lightly browned.
Cool on a wire rack.

For Chocolate:
Put approximately 90 grams of the finely chopped chocolate in the heatproof bowl and place over saucepan of simmering water
When chocolate has melted add the remaining chocolate and stir with a wooden spoon until it has completely melted and is lovely, smooth and glossy.
Taking one biscuits at a time, dip end of heart into the melted chocolate and place on the baking (you can dip bottom or each side of heart whatever you want. If using star shape, dip each end of the point)
Place in the fridge for about 10 minutes, or until the chocolate has hardened.


These will keep in an airtight container for about a week but they can also be frozen. Hope you enjoy them.



How about some Candy Canes - anyone got a recipe?





There are lots of wonderful recipes for you to try so go check them out.

My mouth is watering already.

Align Centre

Thanks JZ.

Out of office for most of the day and then out to dinner this evening but will catch up when I can.

Ronnie
xx

21 comments:

Anonymous said...

Ronnie,you crack me up ! PERFECT timing...we've got a snow day up here.Forgive me if I don't dress up as per your suggestion...it would only result in village gossip and tittle tattle.Sarah,LD,UK

ronnie said...

Sarah - Go on do it, what's a little bit of village gossip LOL. Seriously I know all about village life. Some of the recipes from our cousins across the pond wont be up yet but they will during the day.
Stay warm and have fun. Thanks Sarah

Love,
Ronnie
xx

Dee said...

Recipe copied :) Loving the accompanying pics Ronnie.
I forgot all about doing this, next year :)

Dee x

Jz said...

oh, good heavens.

I came by to check out your recipe and thank you for participating but I have been TOTALLY sidetracked by the fact that my word verification is "whilli"...
;-)

ummm, yeah...
cookies...
right...

Seriously, these look yummy and I love the illustrated manual!

Thanks for playing along!
(And we'll see you next year, Dee!)

Anonymous said...

I love the way you bake, and leave it to you to get spanking into the baking...LOL

I am a shortbread lover so I'm collecting all the shortbread cookie recipes. Thanks for this addition.

-H
Ginger Cookies

strivingforpeace said...

These look lovely!

sfp

Aimless Rambling said...

lovely pix. Shortbread has always been my favorite. After the suggestions it might become my hubbie's favorite too.

Sara said...

Love the pics Ronnie! Jinx on the chocolate dipped shortbread! This just proves we BOTH have good taste! ;) Sara

mouse said...

Oh Ronnie...those sound yummy...

Hugs,
mouse

ronnie said...

Dee - Thanks Dee. Why don't you share one on your blog.

JZ - Thank you for organising it for us. Trying to get round to see everyone but may take me a few days. The other good thing is there are new blogs for me to read:)

Hedone - I'm a visual person:) Thanks, shortbread my favourite biscuit followed gingernut biscuits. Thanks Hedone

SFP - Thanks. Will be over to your when I get a chance. I think we have some yummy recipes to try.

SG - Maybe you could demonstrate while cooking them:) Thanks SG.

Sara - Your recipe sounds wonderful Sara. Hazelnuts, chocolate yum yum. Thanks

Mouse - Loved yours Mouse and the story:) Thanks.

Love,
Ronnie
x

Ashly Star said...

Great recipe, these sound yummy! I also love all the little pictures you used with the post. Sexy and funny, heh. Thanks for sharing!

Ally said...

LOL Love the pictures you added :)

Elysia said...

Hands down, these are the best photos! lol, eggs beating eggs! The recipe sounds delicious!
Happy Holidays Ronnie! -Elysia

Anonymous said...

i LOVE shortbread cookies, and these sound fabulous. Love your illustrations too!!

aisha

ronnie said...

AS. My pleasure glad you enjoyed the pics and hope you enjoy the cookies. Thanks.

Ally - Thanks:)

Elysia - I love the egs one as well. Happy Holidays to you Elysia and thanks.

BA - They are quite delicious even though I say it myself:) Thanks.

Still trying to get around to yo all but I'll get there in the end.

Love,
Ronnie
xx

Hermione said...

Thanks, Ronnie, I must try those. I love shortbread too.

Hugs,
Hermione

ronnie said...

Your welcome Hermione. I wished someone would send a recipe for the candy canes. Thanks.

Love,
Ronnie
xx

viemoira said...

Mmmmmm- oh is there a recipe here? ;)
j/k- thanks for sharing! :)
~viemoira

Anonymous said...

Ohhh! I love this recipe (and your illustrations!)! I have my heart cookie cutters, too. I'm ready to make them right now. Thanks! :-D

Jack and Jill said...

We love shortbread, and we love anything dipped in chocolate. We will have fun making (and eating) these! We also like the pictures, as it looks like you think along the same lines as us. ;)

-Jill

ronnie said...

Viemoira - LOL. Your welcome. Thanks.

TS - I hope you enjoy them. Thanks for stopping by.

Jill - A girl after my own heart - anything dipped in chocolate yummy. Thanks for visiting.

Love,
Ronnie
xx