I spent 22 hours in a car yesterday with Nick, the dog, way too much luggage, and a bucket of cookies. Thirteen states, 4 tanks of gas, 3 fast food stops and hundreds (thousands?) of Christmas songs. Today I am, to say the least, a little tired. So I’m keeping it short and sweet!

I’ve had some smoked sea salt sitting in my cabinet for a while now, not quite sure what to do with it. So I was really excited when I saw this recipe! In the end, the smoke flavor didn’t come through very strongly (though I don’t know if that is good or bad), but the shortbread was buttery, crisp and I loved the crunchy almond bits!

So far these have been a crowd pleaser up here in Massachusetts…. they may or may not have been consumed for breakfast by a few people…

Day 9: Smoked Sea Salt and Almond Shortbread

(adapted from Hungry Girl Por Vida)

• 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 tsp almond extract
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp smoked sea salt, plus more for sprinkling
• 1/3 cup coarsely ground almonds
• 2 cups all-purpose flour

Using an electric mixer, beat the butter, sugar, extracts, and salt until fluffy. Slowly mix in the almonds and flour until just combined.

Divide the dough in half and flatten into two discs. Wrap discs in plastic and chill for 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 300 degrees.

Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters or a knife and cut into cookies. Transfer to parchment or silpat lined baking sheets. Sprinkle a bit of salt onto the tops of each cookie. Chill sheets in the refrigerator 10-15 minutes, then bake 22-25 minutes, until cookies are golden and just barely browned. Remove and cool on a wire rack.

Time to share your cookie recipes! Thanks to those who have already linked up! Link up your blog posts with your favorite Christmas cookies below! Please only post cookie recipes, other entries will be deleted. You may enter up to 3 posts. A link back is appreciated but not necessary. Most importantly, please visit some of the links below and get in the kitchen and BAKE!