🍪 Apricot and Ginger Shortbread Cookies – the Dancing Deer Bakery 🍪
History:
Apricot and Ginger Shortbread Cookies are a delightful treat known for their buttery, crumbly texture and a perfect balance of sweet apricots and zesty ginger. The Dancing Deer Bakery, founded in 1994 in Boston, Massachusetts, is known for its artisanal baked goods, including these delectable cookies.
Components:
- Butter: The key ingredient for that rich, buttery flavor and crumbly texture.
- Flour: Provides structure to the cookies.
- Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender texture.
- Dried Apricots: These bring a natural fruity sweetness to the cookies.
- Crystallized Ginger: Adds a zingy, spicy kick and texture contrast.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances flavor.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances other flavors.
Steps to Prepare:
Preparation Time: Approximately 20 minutes
Chilling Time: 1-2 hours
Baking Time: 12-15 minutes
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Soak Apricots: Begin by finely chopping the dried apricots and crystallized ginger. Place them in a small bowl and cover them with hot water to soften them. Drain and set aside.
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Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until creamy and well combined. This can take about 2-3 minutes.
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Add Flavor: Stir in the vanilla extract to infuse the dough with its delightful aroma.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and a pinch of salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
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Fold in Fruits: Gently fold in the chopped apricots and ginger. Ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
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Shape and Chill: Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a log. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours until firm.
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Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the dough is chilling.
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Slice and Bake: Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator and slice it into 1/4-inch-thick rounds. Place the rounds on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving some space between them.
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Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they turn slightly golden at the edges.
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Cool and Enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, enjoy your delicious Apricot and Ginger Shortbread Cookies!
These cookies are perfect for sharing with friends and family or as a delightful treat for yourself!
So, in total, you’ll need approximately 2-3 hours to prepare and bake these delightful Apricot and Ginger Shortbread Cookies from the Dancing Deer Bakery. 😊🍪
Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Apricot and Ginger Shortbread Cookies:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate, per cookie):
- Calories: 100-120 calories per cookie
- Total Fat: 6-8 grams
- Saturated Fat: 3-4 grams
- Cholesterol: 15-20 milligrams
- Sodium: 25-30 milligrams
- Total Carbohydrates: 10-12 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 0.5-1 gram
- Sugars: 4-6 grams
- Protein: 1-2 grams
Health Information:
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Moderation: While delicious, these cookies are a treat and should be enjoyed in moderation due to their sugar and fat content.
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Fiber: The cookies have a small amount of dietary fiber from the dried apricots and flour, but they are not a significant source of fiber.
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Sugar: The sugar content is moderate, but it’s essential to be mindful of added sugars in your diet.
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Fat: These cookies are relatively high in fat, primarily from butter. While butter adds flavor and texture, it’s advisable to consume them in moderation, especially if you are watching your saturated fat intake.
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Portion Control: Keep an eye on portion sizes to manage calorie intake.
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Balance: Enjoy these cookies as an occasional treat and balance them with a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins for overall health.
Remember that the exact nutrition values may vary depending on the specific ingredients and quantities used in your recipe. It’s always a good idea to check product labels and calculate the nutrition facts based on your specific preparation.
