shortbread cookies | Reindeer Edition

these cookies are too cute, too easy and surely to get you some extra loot under the tree from the jolly man himself.

after all who can resist shortbread and shortbread decorated as reindeers only makes them better.

disclaimer:  if you are short on baking time, you can always purchase store-bought shortbread and just decorate them (this may or may not have been what i did) or you can use my favourite shortbread recipe from below.  your call!

merry christmas santa!

reindeer shortbread cookies

ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 cup confectioners sugar 
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

black icing and red and brown smarties for decorating


method:
in a large bowl whisk the flour with the salt.  set aside.

in the bowl of an electric mixer (or with a hand mixer), beat the butter until smooth and creamy, about 1 minute.  add in sugar and beat until smooth, about 2 minutes.  beat in vanilla extract.  gently stir in the flour mixture just until incorporated.  flatten the dough into  a disk shape, wrap in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour or until firm.

preheat oven to 350F with rack in the middle of the oven.  line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

on lightly floured surface roll out the dough into a 1/4 inch thick circle.  cut into rounds or other shapes using a lightly floured cookie cutter.  place on the prepared baking sheets and place in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes.
bake for 8-10 minutes, or until cookies are very lightly browned.  cool on a wire rack.

once cookies have cooled decorate with frosting and smarties.

store in an airtight container for up to a week or freeze

recipe courtesy of the Joy of Baking