Printable Recipe: Simple Shortbread Bar Cookies Recipe

Simple Shortbread Bar Cookies

This rich and buttery shortbread cookie recipe makes shockingly easy, delicious Christmas cookies. They look (and taste!) great in your Christmas cookie tray-- crumbly, rich, buttery, and not too sweet. Simple, elegant, and easy, they'll be the perfect treat for the nice (or naughty. After all, it?s Christmas) adults on your list. If you add the optional cherries, they'll be bright red and green with touch of extra special sweetness kids love.

Ingredients:
1 1/2 C. all-purpose flour
1 C. sugar
1/4 C. cornstarch
1/8 tsp salt
1 C. very cold butter, coarsely chopped
1 C. maraschino cherries (green and red), chopped (optional)

Instructions: 1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.

2. Blend together flour, sugar, cornstarch and salt in a food processor until combined. Add half of butter to processor and blend to combine. Add remaining butter, process to combine. With a quick pulse of the processor, mix in the chopped cherries.

3. Evenly divide the dough between two 8-inch square pans. Press dough down firmly.

4. Bake 30-35 minutes, or until pale golden. Don't let them brown. Allow to cool in pans 10 minutes.

5. While the cookies are still warm, cut into serving-sized squares. Allow to cool completely in pan, then transfer to serving tray.

Tip: Make sure to use a food processor to get the right texture for these easy, delicious Christms cookies. If using unsalted butter, be sure to add 1/4 tsp (instead of 1/8) salt-- it brings out the buttery flavor.