Shortbread that is perfectly buttery rich and crumbly is one of the simplest forms of cookie enjoyment. It’s not a baked good I grew up making, but I always liked when someone else would offer me some of their own. I’ve found myself experimenting with shortbread more and more the past few years. And my appreciation for it has only grown stronger.
These Candied Ginger Shortbread Cookies are a special sweet bite for those trying to maneuver their way around the chocolate-dipped and sprinkles-overloaded cookies on the holiday treat platter. They are delicate and crumbly and lightly sweet. And those little chewy morsels of zingy candied ginger are heavenly. And so pretty. Absolutely lovely with a cup of tea or coffee.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1/2 c. sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 1-1/2 c. all-purpose flour
- 1/2 c. cornstarch
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 1/2 c. finely chopped candied ginger (also called crystallized ginger)
Preparation
With an electric mixer on low speed, combine butter and sugar for about 30 seconds. Beat in egg yolk, then flour, cornstarch, and salt, until the mixture barely holds together. Do not overbeat. Gently fold in the candied ginger.
Lay out 2 pieces of plastic wrap that are about 12'' long. Divide dough in half. Place each half on the center of separate pieces of plastic wrap. Using the plastic wrap, gently shape each piece of dough into a 6'' long log, about 2'' in diameter. Wrap tightly with the plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
Preheat oven to 275°.
With a sharp knife, slice cookies 1/4'' thick and place on baking sheet, spacing 1'' apart. Bake cookies until just firm but still quite tender and not at all brown, about 30 minutes. Cool for a minute on the baking sheet before removing to a rack to finish cooling.
Source
Adapted from The New York Times recipe by Mark Bittman.
I’m linking up with:
- Cheryl at TidyMom for I’m Lovin’ It (K-Cup Countertop Storage – Giveaway!)
Oh I would be ALL OVER these cookie in a heart beat!
Perfect! I will definitely try these. I keep candied ginger on hand for when I travel. I helps to curb motion sickness! Can’t wait to try these for a cookie party next week.
So nice to hear from you, Liane – hope you like these!
I love shortbread cookies, they might be one of my favorites. And, I love candied ginger…mmm, wish I had one of these
Aggie recently posted..Lemony Chickpea and Avocado Sandwich with Feta and Arugula
You had me at candied ginger! Love ‘em!
I have some candied ginger sitting in my cupboard waiting for a great recipe like this! Thanks Brenda and Happy Holidays to you and your family!
Hope you like these, Donna!
I love shortbread!! This is gorgeous, Brenda! I bet the ginger is such a great flavor with all that butter!
Cassie | Bake Your Day recently posted..Wednesday Ramblings
I adore these! Yum!
I love the clean spice that ginger adds, but I have never baked with the candy variety. I am adding these to my list! Thanks!
I love shortbread…to a fault actually
The candied ginger is a lovely addition and I just know these are the perfect tea cookie 
Paula recently posted..Christmas Penguins
I love shortbread and this is mouthwatering!
Miss @ Miss in the Kitchen recently posted..Chocolate Biscotti {2012 The Great Food Blogger Cookie Swap}
Beautiful shortbread!
Shortbread is probably my favorite cookie. I’ve never tried it with candied ginger – sounds sooo good!!
kristy @ the wicked noodle recently posted..Christmas Panna Cotta
Oh candied ginger is a fave of mine for sure!
Katrina @ In Katrina’s Kitchen recently posted..Gingerbread Madeleines
I love adding candied ginger to my shortbread. I apparently have issues, though, because I also do orange zest, dip half in white chocolate, and then sprinkle with MORE candied ginger. I seriously can’t get enough of the stuff. Your cookies look gorgeous!
Shaina recently posted..Sautéed Bacon and Blue Brussels Sprouts with Pomegranate
Well, that sounds perfectly delicious!!
Oh how I love candied ginger…its the best. These cookies are the bomb! perfect Christmas cookie.
Sheila recently posted..RedLetterWords Christmas GIVEAWAY!
I love Shortbread cookies! I bought some Walkers to go with my cappuccinos. I would love some of these with ginger.
your cookies look picture perfect! i love candied ginger!
nest of posies recently posted..Comment on A early Christmas + a GIVEAWAY for a 5 piece RYOBI Tool Set! by Chalyse
Love this recipe! Will be linking back to this in my upcoming post
marla recently posted..Funkins {giveaway}
I’m not really a fan of candied ginger, but I think I could be persuaded to give these a try. So pretty!
Tara @ Unsophisticook recently posted..Warm & Creamy Bacon Dip + Video
These sound wonderful, and the presentation is so festive and beautiful!
Amanda recently posted..Amish White Bread Mini Loaves
Thank you, Amanda!