Small Batch Shortbread Cookies

As your kids get bigger, you will have more and more playdates. Why not host a baking party. I found a great small batch recipe that could be used for these parties or even if you just want to make a few cookies with your kids.

These cookies can be rolled out and cut with cookie cutters, or you can simple shape them by hand. These cookies are simple and you only need three ingredients: icing sugar, flour and butter.

Mix the room temperature butter and icing sugar together until combined. Then add the flour and mix. Don’t over mix or else the cookies will be too soft. The dough will seem crumbly but use your hands to form a ball.

Lightly flour the surface and roll out with a rolling pin.

The dough will be quite soft since it is not chilled, so keep the cookies on the thicker side.

Use any cookie cutters you want and cut out as many shapes as you can.

Combine remaining scrapes together and continue rolling and cutting out cookies.

You will end up with about 12 mini cookies or 6 larger ones.

Bake these cookies at 350 Degrees until the edges are lightly brown. You don’t want to get them too dark. Once they are done, remove the cookies from the oven and allow to cool. You can cool directly on the pans.

After the cookies have cooled, make the icing. You will need icing sugar and milk.

Mix together. Add more milk if you need it runnier.

If you like, you can add food coloring to the icing.

I found that if you keep the cookies on the tray while decorating, the mess gets contained.

Allow your child decorate any way their hearts desire. It does get a little messy.

Use as many or as few sprinkles as you want.

Allow the icing to harden at room temperature. It will take about 30 minutes. Enjoy.

Shortbread Cookie Recipe (makes 6 large or 12 small cookies)

4 tbsp softened butter – room temperature (1/4 cup)
2 tbsp powdered sugar (1/8 cup)
½ cup flour

Preheat your oven to 350°F.

In a medium bowl, combine softened butter, powdered sugar and mix until well combined.

Add flour and mix until dough comes together. The dough at first will seem like crumbs
but will start to form into a ball. You can use your hands to help it form into a ball.

Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface (to about ¼-inch thickness, or slightly thicker).

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mat. Set aside.

Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes. Place shapes on the baking sheets.

Bake cookies for 9 to 12 minutes, until they begin to lightly brown around the edges.

Cool completely.

Simple Cookie Icing