posted by Mai 11-22-102 7:53 AM
Christmas Chocolate Shortbread
1 cup butter
2/3 cup confectioners sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cocoa
1/4 tsp. salt
Confectioners sugar
In a large bowl, cream butter, sugar and vanilla. In another bowl, combine flour, cocoa and salt. Stir flour mixture into butter mixture. Wrap dough in plastic wrap and chill 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
Press dough into a 15x10x1 inch jelly roll pan. Bake 30 minutes. Remove from oven and cut out warm shortbread in pan using a 2 inch wide heart shaped cookie cutter. Remove cookies from pan and cool on wire rack. Sprinkle cookies with confectioners sugar and store in airtight container.
Gift Giving Notes: Cookies may be given in decorator tins (Victorian designs would be extra special), or decorator cellophane bags. You can also sew very simple tapestry bags and gather the top with a ribbon after inserting a plastic bag with the cookies inside. Wicker baskets lined with antique doilies can be used as well for a beautiful old fashioned look. Use gold wire edged ribbons for the bows to add that elegant look, or silk ribbon in elegant colors will also work well.