These cookies are slice-and-bake cookies. The great part about that is that you can make the dough ahead of time and you can also freeze the dough for later – or bake half and freeze half. I think the cranberry and chocolate make these a pretty choice for Valentine’s Day cookies (or great Christmas cookies)! Also great? Buttery shortbread – how can you go wrong?! :)
After you mix up the dough, you split it in half and roll the halves into logs, wrap in wax paper and refrigerate for at least 4 hours to firm up.
At that point, these cookies are ready to slice (or be frozen in a ziploc bag for later use). Cut each log into about 24 slices and place on the cookie sheet.
I used parchment paper on my cookie sheet – worked great! These cookies are small {but oh so cute} – about 1 1/2 inches in diameter.
Cranberry-Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies
1 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup powdered sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1/2 cup chopped dried sweetened cranberries
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
2 cups all-purpose unbleached flour
1/4 teaspoon aluminum-free baking powder
1/8 teaspoon sea salt
Beat softened butter at medium with electric mixer until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until smooth. Stir in extracts until well-blended. Add chopped cranberries and chocolate chips and mix in well.
In separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk together. Add flour mixture to butter mixture gradually. Beat at low speed until blended.
Separate dough into 2 halves. Shape each half into logs – about 7 inches long. Wrap in wax paper and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. You can also bag it and freeze for up to 1 month.
When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a cookie sheet or cover with parchment paper.
Cut each log into approximately 24 slices. Place slices on prepared cookie sheet, about 1 inch apart.
Bake until edges are golden – about 10-12 minutes. Cool completely on wire racks and store in airtight container.
That’s it! Yum!! I’m going to nibble on one right now if you don’t mind. :)
Do you make cookies for Valentine’s Day? Have you ever made slice-and-bake cookies {Before this, I had only tried Orange-Chocolate Slice Cookies}?
This post linked to;
~ Tasty Tuesday at Balancing Beauty and Bedlam
~ Chic & Crafty Party at The Frugal Girls
Have a blessed and thrifty day friends!
Lisa :)
Images source: Lisa @ Stop and Smell the Chocolates
