Angels, Angels, Angels!
I love to make these shortbread angel cookies at Christmas time and give them to “my special people.” This year I made all kinds of shapes and sizes of angels, and it seemed so fitting because my “angels” come in all different shapes and sizes, too! You know who you are...you have an angel cookie to remind you that I treasure your friendship.
“Someone said that friends are angels in disguise. If this is true, I have been surrounded by angels for most of my life.” Hank Stram
I used my shortbread recipe to make the angel cookies this year because the cookie itself is so homey, with just a few simple ingredients, but the light, sandy texture and buttery goodness are so-o-o delicious. The big sugar crystal accents highlight the wonder of these lovely creatures who seem to know when I need a hug or a word of encouragement.
Cookie specifics
Shortbread. The combination of European butter and vanilla bean makes this shortbread cookie one of the yummiest cookies I make. It’s buttery, crumbly and light. I always have the ingredients on hand so I can whip up a batch whenever I feel the urge to bake...even if it’s 2:00 am.
Shapes
Standing angels, flying angels, quirky angels, majestic angels. Just loads of angel shapes.
Sizes
Sizes range from mini (1-2 inches) to large (4-5 inches). 2½ to 3 inches is my favorite size for decorating and eating!
My Own Recipe
This Shortbread recipe was developed over several months in my quest to duplicate the taste and texture of a shortbread cookie from a now-closed bakery in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Once I got the right taste and texture, I never needed to tweak it again. This recipe never lets me down.
Cookies
Shortbread: flour, butter, sugar, cornstarch, vanilla, salt
Icing & Decorative Embellishments
Vanilla-Bean Glaze: sugar, water, corn syrup, food coloring (optional), vanilla bean paste for flavoring
Sprinkles: Big-crystal sugars in gold (for the halos) and white (for the wings).
Plate, Box or Bag?
Festive Plate. I love to put “choirs of angels” together on a beautiful Christmas plate. They all look so happy bunched together and that makes me happy, too!
Bags. I wrap the angels that I give away individually in clear, food-safe bags, secured with a silver or gold twist tie. This protects the embellishments and makes each one look like a little present.
Mailing. I almost always include at least one angel in the packages of cookies that mail during the holidays. I send them Priority Mail through the U.S. Post Office, using the boxes provided by the Post Office and lots of bubble wrap. In almost all cases, the cookies arrive undamaged. I know the packages are appreciated when they arrive because of the texts I get with all those smiling faces.
What I’ve learned...
These cookies were made with the best ingredients I could find and baked in a small batch of two dozen. I’ve experimented with less expensive ingredients, but have come to the conclusion that flavor is best when I use the best. Why spend all this time baking and decorating if taste and texture are just so-so? Decorating the cookies takes time, but it’s an enjoyable process for me and I know that those who receive them appreciate that. Life is just better when you can share something you love with someone you love. Don’t you agree?
Add new comment