- Unsalted butter (8 oz / 2 sticks, chilled and diced)
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup)
- Rosemary (1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh rosemary or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
- Salt (a pinch, to taste)
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon)
- Egg yolk (1, optional for an extra moist texture)
Incorporating these ingredients into your recipe can help you achieve the perfect shortbread cookies with a hint of aromatic rosemary. Be sure to keep your butter chilled and finely chop your rosemary to ensure even distribution in the dough.
Steps
### How to Make Chef John's Rosemary Shortbread Cookies: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you're a fan of classic British flavors but want to add a twist, try making Chef John’s rosemary shortbread cookies. These buttery, crumbly treats are the perfect balance between sweet and savory, thanks to the subtle hint of rosemary.
#### Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup white sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary leaves, finely chopped
#### Equipment:
- Mixing bowls
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters (optional)
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
#### Instructions:
1. **Preheat the Oven**
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure it has reached this temperature before you start preparing the dough.
2. **Cream the Butter and Sugar**
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and white sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add in the vanilla extract and mix well to combine.
3. **Add Dry Ingredients**
- Gradually add the flour and salt into the butter mixture while continuing to mix with a wooden spoon or an electric mixer on low speed.
- Once combined, fold in the finely chopped rosemary leaves gently.
4. **Forming the Dough**
- Use your hands or a large cookie scoop to form small dough balls (about 1 inch in diameter).
- Place these on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about an inch apart.
5. **Bake the Cookies**
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until they are lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. **Enjoy Your Treats!**
- These cookies will keep well in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Enjoy them as a snack or serve with tea or coffee for a delightful treat!
#### Tips and Variations:
- For extra flavor, you can sprinkle some coarse sea salt on top of the cookies before baking.
- If you prefer, you can use dried rosemary instead; simply adjust the quantity based on your preference.
By following these steps, you’ll be able to create delicious Chef John’s Rosemary Shortbread Cookies that are sure to impress both friends and family. Happy baking! #ShortbreadCookies #RosemaryFlavor #ChefJohnsRecipes