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The Ultimate Guide to Embossed Rolling Pin Shortbread Cookies

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Stack of shortbread cookies tied with a red string and coffee cup in background.

The holiday season is a time for joy, warmth, and, of course, delicious treats. One of the best ways to share the festive spirit is through homemade cookies, especially those that look as good as they taste. If you’ve ever wanted to wow your friends and family with cookies that feature beautiful, intricate designs, look no further than this shortbread cookie recipe. By using an embossed rolling pin, you can transform regular cookie dough into stunning works of art. These embossed shortbread cookies make a fantastic addition to any cookie exchange or holiday gathering, leaving a lasting impression on your guests.

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Up close view of embossed cookie dough.

Why Shortbread Cookies?

Shortbread cookies are a classic choice during the holiday season. Their buttery flavor and crumbly texture make them irresistible, while their versatility allows for endless customization.

You can add various flavors and toppings, such as chocolate chips or icing sugar, to elevate the cookie experience. The best part? Shortbread cookies are easy to make, which means you can whip up a batch without spending hours in the kitchen.

Gather Your Ingredients

Before you start the baking process, it’s essential to gather all your ingredients and tools. Here’s what you’ll need for this embossed shortbread cookie recipe:

Overhead view of ingredients in glass bowls on marble background.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for rolling)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Tools:

  • Embossed rolling pin
  • Regular rolling pin
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small bowl
  • Baking sheet
  • Pieces of parchment paper
  • Circular cookie cutter
  • Pastry brush
  • Stand mixer with paddle attachment (optional, but helpful)

Instructions

Prepare the Shortbread Dough

  1. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use a stand mixer with the paddle attachment or a hand mixer to cream the butter for 1 minute. Add sifted powdered sugar until light and fluffy on medium speed. This process usually takes about 2-3 minutes. The creaming process helps to incorporate air into the mixture, giving your cookies a lighter texture.
  2. Add Vanilla Extract and Salt: Mix in the vanilla extract and salt, ensuring everything is well combined.
  3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and any optional dry mix-ins (like cocoa powder if you want chocolate-flavored shortbread).
  4. Gradually Add Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid over mixing, as this can make the cookies tough.
  5. Chill the Dough: Once the dough is fully combined, wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps to firm up the dough, making it easier to roll out and emboss later.
Two green bowls with ingredients being mixed together.
Mixing dough in two green bowls.

Roll Out the Dough

  1. Prepare Your Work Surface: After chilling, remove the dough from the refrigerator and let it sit for a few minutes to soften slightly. Dust your work surface with some extra flour to prevent sticking.
  2. Divide the Dough: Depending on how much dough you made, divide it into smaller portions to make it more manageable to roll out.
  3. Roll Dough: Using a regular rolling pin, roll out the chilled dough to your desired thickness, aiming for about 1/4 inch. Aim for a uniform thickness to ensure even baking.

Emboss the Cookies

  1. Emboss the Cookies: With your embossing rolling pin, gently roll over the cut cookies, applying even pressure to imprint the beautiful pattern onto the surface of each cookie. Be careful not to press too hard, as you don’t want to distort the cookie shape.
  2. Chill Again: Once you have your embossed print, return the cookies to the refrigerator for about 15. This additional chilling step helps maintain the shape during baking.
  3. Cut Cookies: Use a square or circular cookie cutter to cut out cookies from the rolled dough. Place the cut cookies on a prepared baking sheet lined with pieces of parchment paper. Leave a little space between each cookie, as they will spread slightly while baking.
Showing dough being rolled out with embossed rolling pin.

Bake the Cookies

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Bake: Once the cookies are chilled, remove them from the refrigerator and place them in the preheated oven. Bake for about 12-15 minutes or until the edges are just starting to turn golden brown.
  3. Cool on a Wire Rack: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Finishing Touches

  1. Sugar Coating: If you like, you can brush the warm cookies with a pastry brush and sprinkle a light sugar mixture over the top for added sweetness and a delightful finish.
  2. Add Chocolate Chips: For those who love chocolate, consider melting some chocolate chips and drizzling them over the cooled cookies for an elegant touch.
  3. Store or Share: These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week, making them perfect for holiday gift-giving or as part of a cookie exchange.
Square cookies embossed with design on cooling rack.

Tips for Success

  • Temperature Matters: Ensure your butter is at room temperature, as this will help create a smooth, creamy mixture. Avoid using melted butter, as it will lead to a greasy dough.
  • Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough is crucial for maintaining the shape and preventing spreading. Don’t skip this step, as it greatly affects the final outcome.
  • Experiment with Designs: While using an embossed rolling pin adds a special touch, you can also experiment with cookie stamps for different shapes. This way, you can create a variety of designs for your holiday cookie platter.
  • Use Quality Ingredients: Using high-quality butter and pure vanilla extract can significantly enhance the flavor of your cookies.
Stack of shortbread cookies with cup of coffee and cookie rack in background.

Conclusion

These cookies are not only a delicious treat but also a beautiful addition to your holiday celebrations and a great Christmas shortbread cookies. With their lovely designs and buttery taste, they are sure to be a hit with friends and family.

Whether you serve them at a holiday gathering, gift them to loved ones, or include them in a cookie exchange, these cookies are guaranteed to impress.

So, grab your embossed rolling pin and start baking these delightful holiday cookies. You’ll enjoy the baking process, and your friends and family will love the beautiful, tasty results.

If you’re interested in more delicious cookie recipes, check out our Classic Thumbprint Cookies, these would be great pairings for any dessert table. Happy baking!

Up close view of embossed cookie dough.

The Ultimate Guide to Embossed Rolling Pin Shortbread Cookies

Shortbread cookies are a classic choice during the holiday season. Their buttery flavor and crumbly texture make them irresistible, while their versatility allows for endless customization
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 2 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 24

Equipment

  • Embossed rolling pin
  • Regular rolling pin
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small bowl
  • Baking sheet
  • Pieces of parchment paper
  • Circular cookie cutter
  • Pastry brush
  • Stand mixer with paddle attachment (optional, but helpful)

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour plus extra for rolling
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions
 

Make the Dough:

  • Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use a stand mixer with the paddle attachment or a hand mixer to cream the butter for 1 minute. Add sifted powdered sugar until light and fluffy on medium speed. This process usually takes about 2-3 minutes. The creaming process helps to incorporate air into the mixture, giving your cookies a lighter texture.
  • Add Vanilla Extract and Salt: Mix in the vanilla extract and salt, ensuring everything is well combined.
  • Combine Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and any optional dry mix-ins (like cocoa powder if you want chocolate-flavored shortbread).
  • Gradually Add Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid over mixing, as this can make the cookies tough.
  • Chill the Dough: Once the dough is fully combined, wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps to firm up the dough, making it easier to roll out and emboss later.

Roll Out the Dough:

  • Prepare Your Work Surface: After chilling, remove the dough from the refrigerator and let it sit for a few minutes to soften slightly. Dust your work surface with some extra flour to prevent sticking.
  • Divide the Dough: Depending on how much dough you made, divide it into smaller portions to make it more manageable to roll out.
  • Roll Dough: Using a regular rolling pin, roll out the chilled dough to your desired thickness, aiming for about 1/4 inch. Aim for a uniform thickness to ensure even baking.

Emboss & Cut:

  • Emboss the Cookies: With your embossing rolling pin, gently roll over the cut cookies, applying even pressure to imprint the beautiful pattern onto the surface of each cookie. Be careful not to press too hard, as you don’t want to distort the cookie shape.
  • Chill Again: Once you have your embossed print, return the cookies to the refrigerator for about 15. This additional chilling step helps maintain the shape during baking.
  • Cut Cookies: Use a square or circular cookie cutter to cut out cookies from the rolled dough. Place the cut cookies on a prepared baking sheet lined with pieces of parchment paper. Leave a little space between each cookie, as they will spread slightly while baking.

Bake:

  • Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Bake: Once the cookies are chilled, remove them from the refrigerator and place them in the preheated oven. Bake for about 12-15 minutes or until the edges are just starting to turn golden brown.
  • Cool on a Wire Rack: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Finish:

  • Sprinkle with sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate if desired. Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
  • Enjoy your intricate and delicious shortbread cookies!

Notes

  • Chilling the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill is essential for maintaining the shape and texture of the cookies. Don’t skip this step; it helps create a tender cookie with a nice bite.
  • Embossing: When using the embossed rolling pin, apply even pressure and avoid pressing too hard to ensure the designs remain distinct without distorting the cookie shape.
  • Storage: Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. You can also freeze unbaked dough for up to three months; just wrap it tightly and label it for later use.
  • Customization: Feel free to experiment with different flavorings (like almond extract or citrus zest) or mix-ins (such as nuts or dried fruit) to tailor the cookies to your taste.
Keyword buttery cookie, christmas cookie, dessert, embossed cookies, embossed rolling pin, holiday cookie, shortbread cookie, sweat treat

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