Tag: <span>holiday cookies</span>

Candy Cane Cookies

Candy Cane Cookies

Candy Cane Cookies are my favorite way to spread Christmas cheer! This nostalgic butter cookie has a rich almond flavor and is a Christmas staple in our house. It takes a little time and practice to get that perfect red and white swirl but I promise […]

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

Attention all chocolate and peanut butter lovers…I’ve got the recipe of your dreams right here!!! Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cookies are calling your name (and mine too). Chocolate and peanut butter is a combination that I just can’t resist and these soft, chewy, sinfully delicious […]

Carrot Cake Shortbread Cookies

Carrot Cake Shortbread Cookies

Now just what the heck are Carrot Cake Shortbread Cookies you might ask? This dessert mashup takes all the flavors that you love from carrot cake and bakes them into a perfectly delicious sandwich cookie. With notes of caramely brown sugar, lots of vanilla, and hints of cinnamon, this bitesize dessert packs a whole lot of flavor. And don’t forget that irresistible cream cheese filling that holds it all together. Any dessert with cream cheese frosting is a winner in my book! Do you see those ingredients listed below? Go ahead and add them to your grocery list right now because you’re going to be baking Carrot Cake Shortbread Cookies this weekend.

Here’s all you’ll need: vanilla extract, butter, finely shredded shredded carrots, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, pecan halves, powdered sugar, and cream cheese.Carrot Cake Shortbread Cookies ingredients list #shortbreadcookies #carrotcake #carrotcakeshortbread #shortbread #easterrecipes #cookierecipes #sandwichcookies

Let’s get started! Add 1 cup of softened butter, vanilla extract and 1/3 a cup of finely shredded carrots to a medium sized bowl. Beat with an electric hand mixer for 1 minute. Transfer the butter mixture to a sheet of plastic wrap and place in the freezer for 20 minutes.

A couple things to keep in mind: Shred the carrots as fine as possible think itty bitty to avoid large hunks of carrots in your cookies. This is also a good time to shred an additional tablespoon of carrots to use later in the recipe for that amazing cream cheese frosting I mentioned earlier.

Pure vanilla extract works best to achieve that intense vanilla flavor. You could also get a little bit fancy and use the seeds from a vanilla bean.

You can soften the butter ahead of time by leaving it set out on a countertop or nuke it in the microwave for no longer than 15 seconds. We’re looking for softened not melted.

Butter, vanilla extract, and finely shredded carrots are mixed together in a bowl with an electric mixer. #carrotcakecookies #carrotcakeshortbread #shortbreadcookie #carrotcake #carrotcakedesserts

Next add 2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, and 3/4 teaspoon of cinnamon to a large bowl. Cut in the butter mixture with a pastry blender, a fork or even a knife until the mixture resembles fine crumbs. A pastry blender is one of those kitchen tools that’s more of a luxury than a necessity. If you shop around you can snag one that’s really inexpensive. Plus they’re small and don’t take up a whole lot of cupboard space.

The butter mixture is cut into a bowl full of flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. #shortbreaddcookies #shortbread #carrotcakeshortbread #carrotcakecookies #carrotcake

Knead the crumbs by hand until a smooth dough forms. Now you’re going to look at those crumbs and think how the heck is this mixture ever going to turn into a dough? But don’t worry. The heat from your hands will warm the butter and help the flour and sugar to cling to it. It took me about 10 minutes of squishing and squeezing and kneading to make this magic happen. Don’t give up on it! If after 10-15 minutes it’s looking like it’s not going to happen for you just add some softened butter a tablespoon at a time to help along the process.

Carrot Cake Shortbread cookie dough in a large bowl. #sanwichcookies #easterrecipes #christmascookies #holidaydesserts #carrotcakeshortbread

Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment lined cookie sheet. Place the balls at least 2 inches apart. I was able to fit 20 cookies on my largest baking sheet. Use the bottom of a glass to flatten each cookie to 1/4-inch thickness.

I’m a total parchment paper advocate! Parchment paper is a non-stick baking paper. It reduces browning and when you’re done using it you can just toss it in the trash. No mess! It’s probably my favorite baking tool.

Carrot Cake cookie dough balls placed on a parchment lined baking sheet being flattened to 1/4-inch thickness with the bottom of a glass. #cookierecipes #uniquecookies #christmascookies #holidaybaking #shortbread

Next press a pecan into the top of every other cookie. For every cookie with a pecan we will also need one without. The pecans topped cookies will be the top of our sandwich and the ones without will be the bottoms. Of course if you’re not a fans of pecans or allergic to nuts, you can skip this step and go without. Bake in a 300 degree preheated oven for 15 minutes or until the bottoms begin to brown. Remove from the oven and leave the cookies on the baking sheet for one minute and then transfer to wire racks until cool.

For perfect cookies every time I always rotate the baking sheets halfway through baking. Always use the top and middle racks in the oven, never the bottom. And then about halfway through baking time swap positions. So the cookies that were baking on the top rack get bumped down to the middle rack and the cookies that were baking on the middle rack get moved up to the top. I also rotate the baking sheets so that the cookies that were in the front of the oven are now in the back and vice versa. This helps all the cookies to bake evenly and will yields the very best results. Every. Time.

Carrot Cake Shortbread Cookies on a parchment lined baking sheet topped with pecan halves. #shortbread #cookies #carrotcake #cookiebaking #cokieswithnuts

While the cookies are cooling we can whip up that absolutely essential (in my opinion) cream cheese filling. This will be used to sandwich our Carrot Cake Shortbread Cookies together. Add 1/4 cup butter and 2 ounces of cream cheese to a small bowl. You’ll want both of these ingredients softened so again you can leave them out on the countertop while the cookies are baking or toss them in the microwave for about 10 seconds. Add 1 cup of powdered sugar and beat on a low speed with an electric mixer to combine. Gradually increase the speed to a higher setting and continue to whip until the frosting is smooth and creamy. Stir in 1 tablespoon of shredded carrots (from earlier). Cream cheese icing mixed together in a small bowl.

Spread the cream cheese frosting on the bottoms of the cookies without pecans. Top with the remaining cookies, pecan side up to make these adorably sweet cookie sandwiches. Shortbread cookies contain a larger ratio of butter to flour resulting in cookies that are crumbly and tender and store great in the fridge.

Now that’s some dessert goals right there! Cookie baking on your mind? Try our Mini Cinnamon Roll Cookies or Toffee Cookies next!

Carrot Cake Shortbread Cookies by Happylifeblogspot.com #carrotcake #carrotcakecookies #shortbread #carrotcakeshortbread #shortbreadcookies #easterrecipes #christmascookies #sanwichcookies

Carrot Cake Shortbread Cookies

April 16, 2020
: 2 dozen
: Medium

By:

Ingredients
  • 3 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup butter, softened
  • 1/3 cup finely shredded carrot
  • 2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 24 pecan halves
  • FOR THE FROSTING:
  • 2 oz. cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup butter, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 Tablespoon shredded carrot
Directions
  • Step 1 Add 1 cup of softened butter, vanilla extract and 1/3 a cup of finely shredded carrots to a medium sized bowl. Beat with an electric hand mixer for 1 minute. Transfer the butter mixture to a sheet of plastic wrap and place in the freezer for 20 minutes.
  • Step 2 Add 2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, and 3/4 teaspoon of cinnamon to a large bowl. Cut in the butter mixture with a pastry blender, a fork or even a knife until the mixture resembles fine crumbs. Knead the crumbs by hand until a smooth dough forms. This will take about 10 minutes.
  • Step 3 Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment lined cookie sheet. Place the balls at least 2 inches apart. Use the bottom of a glass to flatten each cookie to 1/4-inch thickness. Press a pecan into the top of every other cookie. For every cookie with a pecan we will also need one without.
  • Step 4 Bake in a 300 degree preheated oven for 15 minutes or until the bottoms begin to brown. Remove from the oven and leave the cookies on the baking sheet for one minute and then transfer to wire racks until cool.
  • Step 5 FOR THE FROSTING: Add 1/4 cup butter and 2 ounces of cream cheese to a small bowl. Add 1 cup of powdered sugar and beat on a low speed with an electric mixer to combine. Gradually increase the speed to a higher setting and continue to whip until the frosting is smooth and creamy. Stir in 1 tablespoon of shredded carrot.
  • Step 6 Spread the cream cheese frosting on the bottoms of the cookies without pecans. Top with the remaining cookies, pecan side up to make these adorably sweet cookie sandwiches. Store in the fridge. Enjoy!

We’d love to hear from you! Leave us your comments and love down below!

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Mini Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Mini Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Calling all cinnamon roll lovers!!! Have I got a cookie for you?!? Clear your schedule  because you need to put “Bake Mini Cinnamon Roll Cookies” at the top of your to do list. From the very first batch all I could think was WOW…these cookies […]

Peppermint Meltaways

Peppermint Meltaways

Have you started making Christmas cookies yet? Are you one of those people that makes a different batch every week and stores them perfectly in tupperware containers or are you the last minute type that whips everything together in one big cookie-palooza? I’m a little […]

Perfect Peanut Butter Cookies

Perfect Peanut Butter Cookies

Peanut Butter Cookies were my absolute favorite as a kid. So when I grew up and started baking I knew that I needed a fabulous, no fail, peanut butter cookie recipe in my arsenal ASAP!! Well guys, this is that recipe!! These cookies are rich, chewy and soft, and chock full of peanut butter flavor. You’ll never need another recipe after you try this one. Promise! So go ahead and click print right now, laminate this baby, put it in a frame for safe keeping and ditch all those other peanut butter cookies. I’ve been making these delicious cookies year after year and they’re always a hit.

Here’s all you’ll need: butter, butter flavored shortening, white sugar, brown sugar, eggs, peanut butter, vanilla extract, flour, baking soda, and salt.

Perfect Peanut Butter Cookies by Happylifeblogspot.com #peanutbuttercookies #cookies #christmascookies #peanutbutterrecipes #softcookies

Let’s get this party started! (BTW if you’re having a party and peanut butter cookie are involved I’m totally there!!). In a large bowl, cream together the butter, butter flavored shortening (aka Crisco), white sugar and brown sugar. Can’t find the butter flavored shortening? Regular Crisco will work just fine too. Been there, done that, tried both.

Perfect Peanut Butter Cookies by Happylifeblogspot.com #peanutbuttercookies #cookies #christmascookies #peanutbutterrecipes #softcookies

Next add the eggs and blend until fully incorporated into the mixture. Then mix in the peanut butter and vanilla until well combined. I am a smooth PB type of gal but if you’re feeling especially “nutty” go ahead and toss in some crunchy. These cookies are so special that I even busted out my KitchenAid mixer! But don’t worry, a hand mixer will work just fine too. I just wanted to be fancy.

Perfect Peanut Butter Cookies by Happylifeblogspot.com #peanutbuttercookies #cookies #christmascookies #peanutbutterrecipes #softcookies

Blend in the baking soda and salt next. And then mix in the flour (on a low speed) about a half a cup at a time. The cookie dough will be THICK!!! But that’s how we like it.

Perfect Peanut Butter Cookies by Happylifeblogspot.com #peanutbuttercookies #cookies #christmascookies #peanutbutterrecipes #softcookies

In the spirit of keeping these peanut butter cookies perfect, I like to use my cookie scoop to keep them close in size. Scoop cookie dough by the spoonful (into your mouth) onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. I feel like I could write an entire blog post about my love for parchment paper (and maybe someday I will), but for now just know that it will elevate your cookie baking to the next level. Use it.

Perfect Peanut Butter Cookies by Happylifeblogspot.com #peanutbuttercookies #cookies #christmascookies #peanutbutterrecipes #softcookies

Once your cookies are scooped, we’ll need to roll them into cute little balls. And….did you notice the spacing? You will most definitely want to give these peanut butter cookies a little room to breathe because they will spread during baking.

Perfect Peanut Butter Cookies by Happylifeblogspot.com #peanutbuttercookies #cookies #christmascookies #peanutbutterrecipes #softcookies

Now it’s time to criss cross applesauce! Flatten the cookies with a fork in that traditional criss cross peanut butter cookie manner. I’m all about that classic look!

Perfect Peanut Butter Cookies by Happylifeblogspot.com #peanutbuttercookies #cookies #christmascookies #peanutbutterrecipes #softcookies

Bake in a 375 degree preheated oven for 8-10 minutes until cookies are set, but not hard. Do not over bake!!! 8 minutes is plenty in my oven, but this is really where you need to hone your technique. Don’t worry! After a couple of tries you’ll have it down. After you remove them from the oven, leave the cookies on the cookie sheet for an additional 2 minutes, where they’ll continue to “bake” from the warmth of the pan. Then remove to wire racks to finish cooling.

Perfect Peanut Butter Cookies by Happylifeblogspot.com #peanutbuttercookies #cookies #christmascookies #peanutbutterrecipes #softcookies

Seriously…..who could resist a cookie that looks THAT good?!? Not me!! Perfect Peanut Butter Cookies will absolutely be on my Christmas cookie trays this year for all of you that are lucky enough to get one! If you love classic cookie recipes, be sure to try our Best Ever Chocolate Chip Cookies too!

Perfect Peanut Butter Cookies by Happylifeblogspot.com #peanutbuttercookies #cookies #christmascookies #peanutbutterrecipes #softcookies

Perfect Peanut Butter Cookies

November 29, 2018
: 4 dozen
: Easy

By:

Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup butter flavored shortening
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
Directions
  • Step 1 In a large bowl, cream together the butter, butter flavored shortening, white sugar and brown sugar. Add the eggs and blend until fully incorporated. Mix in the peanut butter and vanilla until combined.
  • Step 2 Blend in the baking soda and salt. And then mix in the flour (on a low speed) about a half a cup at a time.
  • Step 3 Scoop cookie dough by the spoonful onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Roll each portion into a ball. Flatten with a fork in a criss cross pattern.
  • Step 4 Bake in a 375 degree preheated oven for 8-10 minutes until cookies are set, but not hard. Do not over bake!!!
  • Step 5 Remove from the oven and leave the cookies on the cookie sheet for an additional 2 minutes. Finish cooling on wire racks. Enjoy!!

We’d love to hear from you! Leave us your comments and love down below!

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Chewy M&M Cookies

Chewy M&M Cookies

Guys!!! I don’t like to brag but…..I found it!!! These Chewy M&M Cookies are THE HOLY GRAIL of cookies. They’re the best!! Like buttery soft, deliciously chewy, eat the whole dang batch kind of cookies. That’s if you can even get the cookie dough into […]

White Chocolate Dipped Gingersnaps

White Chocolate Dipped Gingersnaps

There’s nothing like a gingersnap to kick off the holiday season! They make the perfect addition to a Thanksgiving table or a Christmas cookie tray. I love to gift them all by themselves or in a cozy holiday basket. Best served with a nice cup […]