Christmas Raspberry Shortbread with White Chocolate Drizzle

### **How to Make Christmas Raspberry Shortbread with White Chocolate Drizzle**

#### **Step 1: Prepare the Shortbread Dough**
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This process should take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer. Add the vanilla extract and mix until incorporated.

Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until the dough comes together. It may be a bit crumbly at first, but once it’s combined, it should form a soft, smooth dough. If the dough feels too dry, you can add a small amount of water—just a teaspoon at a time—until it holds together.

#### **Step 2: Shape and Bake the Cookies**
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter (about 2-3 inches in diameter) to cut out cookies. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.

Use a smaller cookie cutter or the back of a spoon to make an indentation in the center of each cookie. This will be where the raspberry jam goes.

Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until they are lightly golden around the edges. Be careful not to over-bake them, as you want the shortbread to remain tender. Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.

#### **Step 3: Add the Raspberry Jam**
Once the cookies have cooled completely, spoon a small amount of raspberry jam into the center indentation of each cookie. You don’t want to overfill them, just enough to create a nice little “jam pocket” in the middle.

#### **Step 4: Drizzle the White Chocolate**
To prepare the white chocolate drizzle, melt the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl with the heavy cream. Heat in 20-30 second intervals, stirring after each, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.

Drizzle the melted white chocolate over each cookie using a spoon or a piping bag. Allow the drizzle to set for a few minutes before serving.

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### **Tips for the Best Christmas Raspberry Shortbread**

1. **Chill the Dough**: If the dough is too soft to handle or roll out, wrap it in plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This will make it easier to work with and ensure your cookies hold their shape.
2. **Use High-Quality Jam**: Since raspberry jam is a key flavor in these cookies, choose a high-quality, flavorful jam. Seedless raspberry jam works best for a smooth finish.
3. **Add a Dash of Lemon**: For a burst of freshness, consider adding a tablespoon of lemon juice to the raspberry jam before filling the cookies. This enhances the natural tartness of the raspberries and balances the sweetness.
4. **Decorate**: These cookies are perfect for decorating with festive sprinkles or edible glitter if you want to give them an extra holiday sparkle.

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### **Why These Cookies Are Perfect for Christmas**

The **Christmas Raspberry Shortbread with White Chocolate Drizzle** cookies bring together the best of the holiday season. Their buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture pairs beautifully with the tangy sweetness of raspberry jam and the creamy richness of white chocolate. The festive red and white color combination makes them perfect for a holiday cookie tray, and they’re a lovely gift for friends and family.

Whether you’re hosting a Christmas party, looking for the perfect dessert to serve with coffee, or just indulging in a sweet treat while enjoying the holiday spirit, these shortbread cookies will impress everyone with their flavor and beauty.

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### **Serving Suggestions**

These delightful cookies are perfect for:

– **Holiday Parties**: Serve them on a cookie platter alongside other Christmas favorites.
– **Gifting**: Wrap them up in a festive tin or box for a beautiful homemade gift.
– **Dessert Tables**: They make a lovely addition to a dessert table at Christmas dinner or New Year’s Eve celebrations.
– **Afternoon Tea**: Pair these cookies with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a cozy holiday treat.

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### **Final Thoughts**

If you’re looking for a festive, flavorful treat that’s both easy to make and perfect for holiday gatherings, **Christmas Raspberry Shortbread with White Chocolate Drizzle** is the way to go. With their delicious buttery shortbread base, tangy raspberry filling, and decadent white chocolate drizzle, these cookies are sure to become a cherished part of your holiday traditions.