Here is a simple and melt-in-your-mouth delicious recipe for buttery and flaky, irresistible shortbread sandwich cookies, in a gingerbread man shape with a cutout heart filled with creamy chocolate spread.
These gingerman-shaped sandwich cookies with a creamy chocolate heart are perfect to enjoy with some hot chocolate or eggnog under the mistletoe, or also wrapped up in some festive paper to make edible stocking stuffers.
And if you are wondering, while tradition has it that people kiss under the mistletoe - I eat cookies ;)
For this recipe, I use my gingerbread man cookie cutter and a tiny heart shape for the peek-a-boo hole on the top where the Nutella comes oozing out.
You can use your favorite chocolate spread or also fruit preserve. And any shape cookie cutter you have! Just make it fun and festive.
These cookies are made with traditional shortbread dough.
I also have a recipe with Italian pasta frolla (pastry dough), which is similar to a sugar cookie dough, but with the addition of egg yolks and no baking powder or baking soda.
Shortbread dough has a little more butter and is a bit more delicate - so careful not to break the cookies when spreading the Nutella.
Here are some tips for you when making these cookies:
It's easier to mix in the butter if it's at room temperature. So make sure to remove it from the fridge at least half an hour before starting with the recipe. Cut in cubes so it will reach room temperature sooner.
If you are in a rush, and I don't have time or patience to wait for the butter to warm up, you can cut it into pieces and place it in the microwave at 40% power and microwave for 5 seconds. Check and add 5 seconds increments until you get the soft (but not melted) consistency.
Most recipes say to refrigerate the dough before you roll it out, and then cut into shape, but why?!?! It's so much harder to roll once it's cold.
So here is what I do. Roll the cookie dough when still soft, and preferably on a piece of parchment paper or a silicone mat. Refrigerate (or freeze if you don't have much time to wait around) and then cut into cookies with perfect edges!
And don't forget to roll out the scraps and make more cookies. If you need, simply double up the ingredients and make even more - highly recommended!
Please note: You can make the cookie dough in advance, and stay in the refrigerator for five days, longer in the freezer.
Once baked they store well and keep in an airtight container for several days.... assuming you're not eating them all on the first day!
Now, enough with all the cookie-talk. Let's get baking :)
These look adorable and delicious!
ReplyDeleteI’m wondering if you would please comment on the size of the little heart cutter you used.
Thanks…love you recipes!
Yum...you had me at shortbread. :)
ReplyDeleteI love all your recipes… Thankyou for sharing them .. 💕🎄
ReplyDeleteI love all your recipes. Thankyou for sharing them with us .❤️🎄
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