Each summer, I host a tea party for my friends, where we all dress up in summer dresses, go for a walk, enjoy tea, sandwiches, and dessert, but most importantly enjoy each other’s company. While it is not quite time yet for me to host the party, here is a recipe (from the GreedyEats website) I used last year for some shortbread cookies, so you can recreate your own small tea party for a cozy moment of peace and quiet.
Shortbread Cookies
What you’ll need:
A hand mixer, mixing bowl, and baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Ingredients:
1 ½ cups of salted butter, at room temperature
¾ cup powdered sugar
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup cornstarch
Optional: 2 teaspoons vanilla, lemon, or orange extract for flavor; you may also add a Hershey Kiss, fruit, or jam/preserves to the center of the cookie before baking it!
Instructions
In a large bowl, beat butter and powdered sugar for four to five minutes at medium to high speed. When finished, add in the optional flavoring and stir in for a few more seconds, until fully mixed.
Turn the mixer on low, and slowly add in the flour and cornstarch. Beat just until it is combined, and no flour streaks remain.
Roll the dough into 36 (or so) balls; if the dough is too light, put the dough into the fridge for 10 to 15 minutes to firm it up.
Line the balls on the baking sheet, and gently press down on them with a fork to create indents in the dough.
Chill the dough balls in the fridge for around two hours. When the two hours are up, preheat the oven to 300℉, and bake to cookies for 20 minutes. Take out of the oven and cool them on the baking tray.
Prepare yourself a cup of tea while the cookies are cooling. Enjoy the tea with a fresh baked cookie, and make sure to share the batch with your friends!