Very few treats can rival the simple pleasure of biting into a buttery, crumbly shortbread. Now, imagine elevating that experience with the warm notes of cinnamon and the natural sweetness of honey. That’s exactly what this honey cinnamon shortbread recipe offers—a delightful twist on the traditional favorite that’s perfect for any occasion.
Why This Recipe Works
- The combination of honey and cinnamon adds a unique flavor profile that sets this shortbread apart from the classic version.
- Using high-quality butter ensures a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s essential for perfect shortbread.
- The recipe is straightforward, requiring no fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients, making it accessible to bakers of all levels.
- It’s versatile—serve it as is, or dress it up with a drizzle of chocolate or a sprinkle of nuts for extra flair.
- Perfect for gifting, these shortbread cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious, especially when packaged with care.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutter
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Instructions
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Honey
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and honey until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3 minutes on medium speed. The key here is to ensure the butter is properly softened to achieve that perfect creamy consistency.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add this to the butter and honey mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough shortbread, so stop as soon as the flour is incorporated.
Step 3: Shape the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times to bring it together. Roll the dough to about 1/2 inch thickness, then use your favorite cookie cutter to cut out shapes. For a rustic look, you can also press the dough into a lined baking pan and score it into squares before baking.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Place the cut-out cookies or the scored dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the shortbread maintain its shape during baking and enhances the texture. This step is crucial for achieving that classic shortbread crumble.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Bake the chilled shortbread on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Keep a close eye on them, as the honey can cause the cookies to brown faster than traditional shortbread.
Tips and Tricks
For those looking to take their honey cinnamon shortbread to the next level, consider these advanced tips. First, experiment with the type of honey you use—each variety brings its own unique flavor profile. Second, if you’re a fan of texture, adding finely chopped nuts to the dough can provide a delightful crunch. Lastly, for a festive touch, dust the cooled shortbread with a mixture of powdered sugar and cinnamon. Remember, the quality of your ingredients directly impacts the final product, so opt for the best you can find.
Recipe Variations
- Chocolate Drizzle: Melt some dark chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled shortbread for a decadent twist.
- Lemon Zest: Add the zest of one lemon to the dough for a citrusy kick that pairs beautifully with the honey and cinnamon.
- Spiced Up: Increase the cinnamon or add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves for a more pronounced spice flavor.
- Nutty Addition: Mix in 1/2 cup of finely chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture and flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend to make this recipe accessible to everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but you may want to reduce or omit the additional salt in the recipe to avoid overly salty shortbread. The key is to taste as you go and adjust according to your preference.
How do I store honey cinnamon shortbread?
Store the shortbread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! The dough can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or frozen for up to a month. Just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.
Summary
This honey cinnamon shortbread recipe is a delightful twist on a classic, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and spice. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, it’s sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.