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Perfect Apple Shaped Shortbread Cookies

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Buttery, crumbly apple shaped shortbread cookies decorated with royal icing, perfect for teacher gifts or festive fall treats. Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients and customizable icing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2 large egg whites (or 4 tablespoons pasteurized meringue powder mixed with 5 tablespoons water)
  • 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • Food coloring gels (red and green recommended)
  • Optional: a few drops of lemon juice

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, beat 1 cup softened unsalted butter with 1/2 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
  2. Mix in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until combined.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
  4. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Chill dough in fridge for 15 minutes if too sticky.
  5. Lightly flour work surface and roll out dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
  6. Use apple-shaped cookie cutter to cut shapes and transfer to parchment-lined baking sheet.
  7. Chill cut cookies in fridge for 15-20 minutes to keep shape.
  8. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Bake cookies for 15-18 minutes until edges start to turn golden.
  9. Cool cookies on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
  10. While cookies bake, whisk 2 egg whites with 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar until frothy. Gradually add 2 cups sifted powdered sugar, beating until stiff peaks form.
  11. Divide icing into bowls and add food coloring gels as desired.
  12. Fill piping bags with icing. Outline each cookie, then flood center with thinner icing. Use toothpicks to spread and smooth. Let details dry before adding leaves or stems.
  13. Allow decorated cookies to dry at room temperature for several hours or overnight to set icing fully.

Notes

Use softened but not melted butter for best texture. Chill dough before cutting and chill cut cookies before baking to prevent spreading. For royal icing, use pasteurized egg whites or meringue powder for safety. Adjust icing consistency by adding powdered sugar or water as needed. Decorate on parchment-lined baking sheet to easily chill icing. Cookies store well in airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or freeze undecorated for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: shortbread cookies, apple shaped cookies, royal icing, teacher gifts, fall treats, homemade cookies, easy cookies, gluten-free option, vegan option

Find it online: https://lirafood.com/perfect-apple-shaped-shortbread-cookies-recipe-easy-homemade-teacher-gifts/