Description
These one-bowl shortbread cookies are easy to make and perfect for a quick treat. They are shaped like pencils and apples.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Red, yellow, and black food coloring (optional, for decorating)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the flour and salt to the bowl. Mix on low speed until the dough just comes together. Do not overmix.
- Divide the dough into three portions. Leave one portion plain. Color the second portion red and the third portion yellow using food coloring. Knead the color into the dough until evenly distributed.
- For the pencil shapes: Take a small amount of plain dough and roll it into a log for the pencil body. Take a small amount of yellow dough and shape it into a point for the pencil tip. Attach the yellow tip to the plain body. Use a tiny piece of black dough (colored with black food coloring) for the pencil lead, placing it at the very tip. You can also add a small piece of red dough to the other end for the eraser.
- For the apple shapes: Take a small amount of red dough and shape it into an apple. You can use a tiny piece of plain dough for the stem and a tiny piece of green dough (if you have it, or mix blue and yellow food coloring) for a leaf.
- Place the shaped cookies on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- You can skip the food coloring if you prefer plain shortbread cookies.
- Ensure your butter is truly softened, not melted, for the best texture.
- Do not overwork the dough; this will result in tough cookies.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American