Some recipes are more than just food; they’re memories wrapped in the warm, comforting smells of the holidays, passed down through generations. Growing up, I spent countless hours in the kitchen with my family, mixing spices and rolling out dough for our beloved gingerbread shortbread cookies. The scent of cozy spices filled the air, wrapping our home in a blanket of nostalgia. The buttery shortbread melted in my mouth, perfectly complemented by a swirl of cinnamon vanilla glaze that made each bite a moment to savor.
But what made these cookies truly special was the ‘stained glass’ look we gave them. Carefully cutting out little shapes in the center of each cookie, we created edible works of art that were almost too beautiful to eat. Almost. These gingerbread shortbread cookies, with their perfect balance of spice, butteriness, and flakiness, became more than just a holiday treat—they became a cherished family tradition.
Now, I pass this tradition on to my children, watching their eyes light up as we create our own ‘stained glass’ masterpieces year after year. It’s these moments, flavored with love and history, that make life sweet and remind us that the best recipes aren’t just made in the kitchen—they’re made in our hearts.
A Collaboration with Watkins: Quality You Can Taste
As the holiday season unfolds, I couldn’t be more excited to bake with one of my favorite brands, Watkins! Being a longtime fan, I’ve always admired their unwavering commitment to quality—a legacy they’ve upheld for over 150 years. Watkins is my go-to for spices and extracts because they’re made with pure, flavorful ingredients, free from artificial additives like high-fructose corn syrup and synthetic dyes.
This year, I’m infusing our beloved gingerbread shortbread cookies with the warmth of Watkins Organic Original Gourmet Baking Vanilla and their organic spices. Watkins’ rich, vibrant flavors take these cookies to the next level, perfectly capturing the essence of the holidays in every bite.
Gingerbread Shortbread Cookies with Cinnamon-Vanilla Glaze and Stained Glass
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 2 ¼ cups (280g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (60g) cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon Watkins Organic Black Pepper
- 2 teaspoons Watkins Organic Ground Ginger
- 1 teaspoon Watkins Organic Ground Cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon Watkins Organic Ground Nutmeg
- 1 cup salted butter, softened
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon Watkins Organic Original Gourmet Baking Vanilla
- 2 tablespoons molasses
For the Cinnamon-Vanilla Glaze:
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon Watkins Organic Original Gourmet Baking Vanilla
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- ¼ teaspoon Watkins Organic Ground Cinnamon
For the Stained Glass:
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup Watkins Decorating Sugar (red or green)
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- ¼ cup water
- ½ teaspoon Watkins Organic Original Gourmet Baking Vanilla
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and black pepper.
- In a large bowl, cream softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in Watkins Organic Vanilla and molasses.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until a soft dough forms. Divide the dough into two disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Step 2: Bake the Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll out the dough to ¼-inch thickness, cut into festive shapes, and bake for 10–12 minutes. Let the cookies cool completely.
Step 3: Add the Magic
- Prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar, Watkins Vanilla, heavy cream, and cinnamon until smooth. Drizzle or spread the glaze over the cookies.
- For the stained glass, heat granulated sugar, Watkins Decorating Sugar, corn syrup, and water in a saucepan until the mixture reaches 290°F (145°C). Carefully pour into the cut-out areas of the cookies. Let cool completely before serving.
Share the Tradition
Baking these gingerbread shortbread cookies has been a treasured tradition in my family, and now, with Watkins’ exceptional ingredients, they’re even more special. Whether you’re baking for loved ones or simply for the joy of it, these cookies are sure to add a little extra holiday magic to your kitchen.
I’d love to see your creations! Be sure to tag me @Hi.itsHollyB and @Watkins.1868 on Instagram so we can celebrate your holiday masterpieces together.
Here’s to flavorful traditions and sweet memories. Happy baking! ❤️
