Simple and Traditional Shortbread Cookies
There are some things in life that improve over time. Health care, technology, human rights (as a society we’re working on them!). But when it comes to food, sometimes we are better to take a step back and think of what our grandparents were making. Many of our ancestors devoted all their time making the best of what they had and doing a fine job of it! Most of the ingredients they used were natural, basic ingredients readily available for anyone to obtain. They shared their ideas through church groups and community events and took pride in the ways they cared for their families. Bottom line, food was at the root of many important social and family functions and an opportunity to bring people together.
In many ways, this still bears true. However, in a lot of our foods we seem to have lost our traditions; grandma’s old recipes pushed aside for the newer fancier versions.
My Grandma’s Christmas shortbread
This recipe is NOT at all difficult. Anyone can make these with only a short time to spare. They are however, delicious. Nothing fancy, just basically the best. These are the shortbread cookies that my grandma always made, then my mom. They are the one anchor of my Christmas baking. Without plenty of them to share, baking is not complete.
I’m not sure why they are saved for Christmas only. They really are so simple to be easily whipped up for any occasion. However, they are the flavour of Christmas baking to me and can instantly conjure up childhood memories and the excitement of Christmas nearing closer. Suddenly I’m at my mother’s table leafing through the sears catalog to make my wish list for Santa.
What’s your Christmas baking traditions? I’d love to make your recipes. Feel free to pass your favourites along.
If you try these and like them, please pin and share. You can also tag me on Instagram @thecozeehome
- 1/2 cup corn starch
- 1/2 cup icing sugar
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 1 cup butter softened
- Blend all ingredients together by hand in a large mixing bowl
- Form into balls and place on baking sheet lined with parchment paper
- Slightly press with a flat surface glass dipped in icing sugar
- Bake in 300 degree oven on middle rack for appprox 25 minutes. (until edges are just turning slightly brown)
- Enjoy!
When I return home from Arizona I am definitely going to make these! 😊
Love your family story along with the recipe! Shortbread are one of my favourites during the holidays, I look forward to trying this recipe out!
Looks just like my mom’s! Thanks for sharing!