Christmas in July: Twelve Days of Christmas Cookies: Day 9

Everyone has family traditions. Some involve food. We don't have a million recipes that have been passed down through the generations, but this is one that I know (uh-oh, maybe I'm only pretty sure) came from my Grandma (on my mom's side) therefore, I plan to pass it down to my kids and hopefully we can start something. Ha!

This would be my number one most requested recipes. I don't think I have EVER taken it anywhere without having to send someone the recipe. Sometimes months later I'll receive an email begging for it. So know that it's good.

This is not your typical "crunchy" shortbread (like peak frean makes). This melts in your mouth. It's pretty delicate. If I'm taking it somewhere, I try to take it from my freezer as I'm about to walk out the door just so that I don't have to deal with such a delicate cookie in transport.

I also love this recipe because it makes a ton (a whole jelly-roll pan!). Just don't forget the flour. I made it my first year of college for my roommates and totally got distracted and forgot the flour. What you're left with is basically just a buttery caramel. I think we ate it on ice cream. I think I also gained 20 pounds that year. I wonder why.

Enough reminiscing! Onto the cookie.

Whipped Shortbread


Here's what you'll need:
1 lb butter (NO substitutes)
1 cup icing (confectioners') sugar
pinch of salt
3 cups flour

Whip the butter in a mixer until light and fluffy. Gradually add in the icing sugar and salt. Slowly add the flour. Once it's all mixed in beat for 10 minutes scraping down the bowl occasionally (note, if your mixer tends to get warm it may melt the butter, which would not be good, so watch it closely and don't cover if you can help it.). Now, you have two ways to proceed. You can make it into a log in waxed paper, roll it up and put it in the fridge before you slice and bake it for 15 minutes at 300ºF, but I prefer the easier way which is to spread it into a foil lined jelly roll pan (mine is about 10in x 15in). Add sprinkles (you know, to make it pretty!), refrigerate. Once firm, prick with a fork and then bake at 300ºF for 15-25 minutes (the edges will be set and it will just start to turn brown) it really depends on your oven so watch it closely at the end.

This freezes beautifully, which is good because no one should be left with the entire pan to eat themselves!