These sugar cookies are very soft and fluffy for those of us who like them chewy, not hard or crisp. Try substituting strawberry flavoring for the vanilla!
Butter Cookies
Shortbread
This is a compilation of several Shortbread recipes I have from British cookbooks. I have been to England three times and REAL shortbread is a favorite. It should use real butter and not be TOO sweet.
Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies
Raspberry-filled, fragile, buttery pecan-crusted cookies. They remind me of a miniature pie in flavor and looks. They are a delicious cookie any time of the year, but especially perfect for the holiday season. Other fillings can be used; any jelly, jam, candied fruit or tinted powdered sugar icing. Our family favorite is raspberry jam.
Mini Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies
My sister and I have been making these cookies for years. They are simple and delicious without the eggs! Double the recipe, they go fast.
Mexican Pecan Cookies
This is the best recipe I’ve tried for the cookies usually called ‘Mexican wedding cookies’. These just kind of melt in your mouth with no need to chew on them. The pecan taste is incredible. They are a must for every Christmas reunion with my family.
German Twists
This rich and tender sour cream and yeast cookie is delicious and so lovely with its many delicate layers and twists. It is a classic and historic recipe for which many variations can be found. This updated version uses all butter and a food processor for wonderful flavor and ease of mixing. The rich yeast dough actually contains no sugar, but the sweetness and the layering results from well sugaring the dough and work surface, while rolling and folding it several times prior to cutting and shaping the cookies.
Spiced Pecan Shortbread
Melt-in-your-mouth shortbread made with brown sugar and pecans. An absolutely wonderful recipe, and EASY too!
Austrian Tea Cakes
These powdered sugar coated cookies are absolutely packed with ground hazelnuts, and make a wonderful accompaniment at tea time!
Martina Cookies
Perfect little shortbread cookies. Dip them in chocolate and top with nuts, coconut, and crushed candy canes. Not too sweet and a great Christmas cookie! Freezes well and dough can be made a day or two ahead. These are good plain, or you can melt some chocolate chips (milk, semi-sweet, or white) and dip one end of the cookie. You can then dip the chocolate end in chopped nuts, crushed candy canes, coconut, jimmies, or decorating sugar. Or, add a little grated orange peel or chopped candied ginger to the chocolate when you melt it for another great flavor. Place on waxed paper to harden.
Cream Tea Cakes
‘Cream cakes’ are not a specific item, but a term that refers to a variety of goodies served at tea. Scones, cakes, buns, and biscuits may be spread with cream and/or jam. Here’s a Lake District recipe for ‘Upland’s Biscuits’. When cool, sandwich in pairs with raspberry jam. A dollop of clotted cream on top, a pot of strong tea, aahhh!
Langues de Chat
These cookies are called ‘cat’s tongues’. They are easy to make. This is a French recipe, but it has already been converted to conventional measurements.
Burrebrede (Scottish Shortbread)
This is a medieval Scottish shortbread recipe. It has been a holiday favorite for my family and friends for years. The shortbread keeps very well in an airtight tin or tightly wrapped in tinfoil.
Swedish Ground Almond Spritz Cookies
This is an authentic Swedish Almond Spritz recipe handed down through the family from Swedish Ancestors. It’s the only recipe I’ve ever know that includes real almonds and not just almond flavoring. It’s a delectable cookie!
Peruvian Alfajores
Delicate shortbread cookies filled with dulce de leche and covered in powdered sugar. This is the Peruvian recipe.
Vanille Kipferl II
The vanille kipferl originated in Austria, and they are also very popular in Switzerland and Germany. The kipferl become even yummier after 2 to 3 days…but only for those who can resist long enough. If desired, the two ends of the kipferl can be dipped in warm chocolate and then left to cool.
