Shortbread Dream Cookies 

This recipe came to me in a dream I have always liked shortbread cookies because our neighbor, Mary Brogan used to give some to my little brother and me whenever we visited. U git  a collection of Trader Joe’s special spice combos. In it was this little bottle of Coco, Cinnamon, and Brown Sugar combo. I had no idea what to do with it. I do now. And besides… you know.. you don[t mess with dreams, dude.

 

Ingredients:

1/2 cup unsalted butter unsalted butter, at room temperature

1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour 180g

1 teaspoon kosher salt optional

~3 Tbs Trader JOe’s Coco, Cinnamon and Brown Sugar combo

Chocolate syrup, as needed

Toasted Pecan halves, one for each cookie

Directions:

  1. In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat butter and vanilla extract until creamed.  Prepare a backing sheet with Parchemtn Paper.
  2. Add confectioner’s sugar and salt; mix until combined.
  3. Scrape the bowl down and add flour while beating on low. Scrape the bowl once more and mix until combined.
  4. Using 2 sheets of plastic wrap, roll the dough flat. and shape it into a rectangle about 3/8 inch thick. Sprinkle the TJ Coco stuff all over the top. Another option is to drizzle a little syrup over the top before rolling to give it more color contrast Then roll the rectangle into a roll of dough and put it into the fridge for an hour or so.
  5. Preheat oven to 350F. Use a sharp knife to cut 1/2-inch thick slices
  6. Place slices, spaced at least an inch apart onto the prepared baking sheet Place 1 drop of chocolate syrup on the flat side of each toasted pecan half before attaching it to the face of each cookie on the sheet.
  7. Bake for ~15 minutes, rotating the baking sheet in the oven halfway through.
  8. Transfer to a wire sheet to cool.