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Personal Note
I personally use and love these products in my kitchen. I only recommend what I trust!
I personally use and love these products in my kitchen. I only recommend what I trust!
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Ever since I was little, I've been absolutely captivated by the ocean. The rhythmic crashing of waves, the salty air, and the seemingly endless horizon always filled me with a sense of peace and wonder. I remember one summer, my grandma took me to the beach every single day. We'd collect seashells, build sandcastles that inevitably got swallowed by the tide, and, of course, indulge in countless sugary treats. That's where my love for baking really blossomed, alongside my love for the sea. This Starry Sea Shortbread recipe is my attempt to capture that nostalgic feeling, to bring a little bit of that seaside magic into your kitchen and share it with those you care about. Its, like, a super special recipe that will take you back.
These shortbread cookies aren't just delicious; they're also incredibly fun to make. The process of tinting the dough a soft, dreamy blue and sprinkling it with edible glitter feels almost like crafting. And the taste? Oh, the taste! Imagine biting into a buttery, crumbly cookie that practically melts in your mouth, with just a hint of sweetness that perfectly complements the rich, buttery flavor. They're perfect for afternoon tea, a whimsical dessert after dinner, or even as a unique and charming gift for someone special. Trust me, these cookies are a surefire way to brighten anyone's day! I think they might even cheer up my cat, Mr. Flufferton, if he could eat them. Also, don't fret too much about making them perfect. Imperfections add character, kinda like seashells that are knicked or chipped. What do you think?
Required Equipments
- Mixing Bowls
- Electric Mixer
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Rolling Pin
- Star-Shaped Cookie Cutters
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat
- Wire Rack
Starry Sea Shortbread: Frequently Asked Questions
Starry Sea Shortbread
Dive into the enchanting world of Starry Sea Shortbread, where the buttery goodness of classic shortbread meets whimsical oceanic charm. These delightful cookies, adorned with edible glitter and a hint of blue, evoke the magic of a starlit night by the sea, making them a perfect treat for any occasion.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield: 24 servings
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
- Get Started: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). This temperature ensures the cookies bake evenly without browning too quickly. Also, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving the right texture in your shortbread. Use an electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer) for best results. Beat on medium speed for about 3-5 minutes. If you're doing it by hand, make sure the butter is really soft so it creams easily.
- Incorporate Vanilla and Salt: Add the vanilla extract and salt to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix well to combine. The vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the shortbread, and the salt balances the sweetness.
- Gradually Add the Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can develop the gluten in the flour and result in tough cookies. Mix until the dough just comes together and no flour streaks remain.
- Tint the Dough (Optional): If you want to achieve the signature Starry Sea look, add a few drops of blue food coloring to the dough. Mix until the color is evenly distributed. Start with a small amount of food coloring and add more until you reach your desired shade of blue. Gel food coloring works best, as it won't add excess liquid to the dough.
- Shape the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead it a few times to bring it together. Roll the dough out to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use star-shaped cookie cutters to cut out the cookies. If you don't have star-shaped cutters, you can use any shape you like or even cut the dough into squares or rectangles with a knife or pizza cutter.
- Add Glitter: Place the cut-out cookies onto the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle the cookies with edible glitter. The glitter will add a touch of sparkle and magic to your Starry Sea Shortbread. Feel free to get creative with the glitter; use different colors or patterns to make each cookie unique.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on the cookies while they're baking to prevent them from burning.
- Cool Completely: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will allow the cookies to firm up and prevent them from breaking. I know, its hard to wait but be patient.
- Enjoy: Once the cookies are completely cooled, they're ready to enjoy! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. These Starry Sea Shortbread cookies are perfect for snacking, sharing with friends and family, or gifting to someone special. I like to have mine with a hot cup of tea.
📝 Notes
🍎 Nutrition
Calories: 85 kcal
Protein: 1 g
Fat: 5 g
Carbohydrates: 9 g
Fiber: 0 g
Calcium: 2 mg
