Are you craving a melt-in-your-mouth cookie that's both incredibly simple to make and utterly delicious? Then look no further! This Canada cornstarch shortbread recipe delivers a buttery, delicate cookie with a satisfyingly crumbly texture that's perfect for any occasion. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out in the kitchen, this easy recipe is guaranteed to become a new favorite in your homemade cooking repertoire. It’s one of those quick dinner ideas (well, dessert ideas!) that’s surprisingly healthy and satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
Step 1: Cream Together Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This is easiest with an electric mixer, but you can certainly do it by hand if you prefer a bit of a workout! The key is to get the mixture thoroughly combined and airy.
Step 2: Add Vanilla and Dry Ingredients
Stir in the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; slightly lumpy dough is okay. Overmixing can result in tough cookies.
Step 3: Chill the Dough
Form the dough into a disk, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step is crucial for preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Step 4: Roll and Cut
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ⅛ inch thickness. Use cookie cutters of your choice, or simply cut the dough into squares or rectangles.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the cut cookies onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them as ovens vary, and you want to avoid burning.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy!
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, you can enjoy these delightful treats!
Tips for the Best Canada Cornstarch Shortbread:
- Use good quality butter: The flavor of the butter really shines through in this recipe, so splurge on a brand you love.
- Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies.
- Chill the dough thoroughly: This step is essential for preventing spreading and ensuring perfectly shaped cookies.
- Watch them closely while baking: Oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on your cookies to prevent burning.
Variations:
- Add a sprinkle of sugar: Before baking, sprinkle the tops of the cookies with coarse sugar for added sweetness and texture.
- Incorporate citrus zest: Add the zest of one lemon or orange to the dough for a refreshing twist.
- Experiment with spices: A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg can add warmth and complexity.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
This will vary based on cookie size. However, a general estimate for a medium-sized cookie is:
- Calories: Approximately 100-120
- Fat: 6-8g
- Carbohydrates: 12-15g
- Protein: 1-2g
These delicious Canada cornstarch shortbread cookies are a perfect addition to any occasion, from casual gatherings to holiday celebrations. Their delicate flavor and simple elegance will surely impress your family and friends. Enjoy!