Macadamia shortbread stars
Macadamia shortbread stars are rich, buttery cookies enhanced by crunchy macadamia nuts, perfect for festive occasions. This easy recipe involves creaming butter and sugar, mixing in flour, and shaping the dough into star forms before baking.
Cook time 20 min
Prep time 10 min
Ingredients:
1 cup butter1 cup sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose white wheat flour
1/2 cup macadamia
Macadamia shortbread stars are a delightful twist on traditional shortbread cookies. The rich, buttery flavor of the shortbread pairs perfectly with the crunchy, nutty macadamias. These cookies are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them perfect for holiday gatherings or as a special treat any time of the year.
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Mix in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the butter mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the shortbread tender.
- Gently fold in the finely chopped macadamia nuts until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. This will make it easier to roll out and cut into shapes.
- Lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin. Roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch (6mm) thickness.
- Use a star-shaped cookie cutter to cut out stars from the dough. Place the cut-out stars onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about an inch of space between each cookie.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Be sure not to overbake as the cookies are meant to be tender.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, your macadamia shortbread stars are ready to be enjoyed! Store in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Making macadamia shortbread stars is a simple yet rewarding baking project. With just a few ingredients and some basic tips, you can create delicious, elegant cookies that are sure to impress. Enjoy these cookies with a cup of tea or coffee, or package them in a pretty box for a thoughtful homemade gift.
Macadamia shortbread stars FAQ:
Bake the macadamia shortbread stars in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Avoid overbaking to maintain their tender texture.
The cookies are done when the edges are lightly golden brown. They may appear soft in the center; this is normal as they will firm up while cooling.
Store the cooled macadamia shortbread stars in an airtight container at room temperature. They can stay fresh for up to a week.
Yes, you can substitute macadamia nuts with other nuts like pecans or walnuts, keeping in mind that this will alter the flavor and texture of the cookies.
To make gluten-free shortbread stars, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour, ensuring it has a xanthan gum if needed for structure.
Tips:
- Use high-quality butter to enhance the flavor and texture of your shortbread.
- Chill the dough before rolling it out to make it easier to handle and to prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- To ensure even cooking, make sure all the cookies are of similar thickness before baking.
- If you don't have a star-shaped cookie cutter, you can use any other shape you like or simply slice the dough into squares.
Nutrition per serving
18 ServingsCalories 220kcal
Protein 2.10g
Carbohydrates 24g
Fiber 0.75g
Sugar 13g
Fat 13g
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