Pink Peppercorn Shortbread Cookies
Get ready for a flavor fiesta with the Pink Peppercorn Shortbread Cookies! These little gems are like a party in your mouth, where traditional shortbread meets a funky twist of pink peppercorns.
The best part? They’re a breeze to whip up! So, whether you’re a cookie connoisseur or a culinary explorer, these cookies are your ticket to a fun and fancy snacking experience. Get your apron on, and let the baking shenanigans begin – these cookies are calling your name!
Why you’ll love these Pink Peppercorn Shortbread Cookies
- Unique Flavor Profile: The combination of sweet shortbread with the subtle, aromatic heat of pink peppercorns creates a uniquely delightful taste experience, offering a refreshing change from traditional cookie flavors.
- Buttery Shortbread Base: The classic buttery and rich texture of shortbread forms the perfect canvas for the innovative addition of pink peppercorns.
- White Chocolate Elegance: Dipping the cookies in white chocolate not only adds a layer of creamy sweetness but also gives them an elegant and attractive appearance.
- Perfect Balance of Sweet and Spicy: The sweet white chocolate beautifully counterbalances the gentle spiciness of the pink peppercorns, providing a harmonious blend of flavors in each bite.
Ingredients needed to make Pink Peppercorn Shortbread Cookies
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup flour
- 1 tbsp crushed pink peppercorn
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup white chocolate, melted
How to make these Pink Peppercorn Shortbread Cookies
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a bowl, mix the butter with powdered sugar until creamy.
Combine Ingredients: Add flour, crushed pink peppercorn, and vanilla extract. Mix until a soft dough forms.
Shape Dough: Form the dough into a log about 3 inches in diameter. Wrap it in plastic film and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Cut the chilled dough into 1/2-inch thick slices and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies for 15 minutes, or until they are just starting to turn golden.
Melt White Chocolate: While the cookies are baking, melt the white chocolate.
Dip in Chocolate: Once the cookies are cooled, dip each one into the melted white chocolate.
Add Peppercorns: Sprinkle a little more crushed pink peppercorn on the chocolate for added flavor and visual appeal.
Chill and Set: Chill the cookies for 10 minutes to set the chocolate.
Pink peppercorn shortbread cookies
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup of butter or 1 stick softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup flour
- 1 tbsp crushed pink peppercorn
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup white chocolate melted
Instructions
- In a bowl start by mixing butter with sugar until creamy.
Mix
- Add the rest of the ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.
Combine all the ingredients
- Shape the dough like a log with diameter approximately 3”.
Shape
- Wrap it tightly on a plastic film and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Refrigerate
- Cut the cookies into 1/2” thick and place it on a prepared baking sheet pan with parchment paper.
Cut cookies
- Bake in a preheated oven to 350F degrees for 15 minutes.
Bake
- In the meantime melt the white chocolate.
Melt white chocolate
- Let the cookies cool then dip into white chocolate. Sprinkle with more pink peppercorn and chill for 10 minutes.
Sprinkle
- Enjoy!
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Commonly Asked Questions
Can I substitute regular black peppercorns for pink peppercorns?
While you can substitute black peppercorns, the flavor profile will change. Pink peppercorns are milder and fruitier compared to the stronger, spicier black peppercorns.
Is it possible to use a different type of chocolate for dipping?
Absolutely! While white chocolate provides a sweet, creamy contrast, you can also use milk or dark chocolate based on your preference.
Can these cookies be made gluten-free?
Yes, you can make them gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies can stay fresh for up to a week.
Can I freeze the dough or the baked cookies?
Yes, you can freeze both the dough and the baked cookies. The dough can be frozen for up to 3 months, and the baked cookies (without the chocolate coating) can be frozen for a similar duration.
Are pink peppercorns actually pepper?
Pink peppercorns are not true peppercorns but are the dried berries of the Brazilian pepper tree and are known for their slightly sweet, fruity flavor.
These cookies offer a delightful balance of sweet and spicy, with the pink peppercorns providing a surprising burst of flavor that complements the buttery shortbread and the creamy sweetness of the white chocolate. Perfect for those who enjoy a twist on traditional cookie recipes!
