Cranberry Walnut Shortbread Cookies

got out one of my favorite Christmas decorations yesterday and set it out in my kitchen. isn't he cute?

decided to make some cranberry walnut shortbread cookies late sunday afternoon....

dande has kitty radar when it comes to butter....

oh yummy mama....is that butter with sugar in it? look at that face....

i am really into vanilla lately...always on the lookout for the good stuff. got these 2 bottles the other day...they smell so good i had to dab some on my wrists....see the turkey there on the farm table in the background? that's him !!!

you can make these cookies in a bowl with just a wooden spoon....no mixer needed...

there are only a few ingredients...so everything has to be the best.... i used organic flour from Bob's RED MILL....

after everything is mixed you just roll it into a log in some wax paper...and chill

slice ....

and bake...

i have to tell you...these are REALLY good....

forgot to show you these yesterday...got 'em on my Cost Plus run...a nesting set of teeny tiny silicone bowls...how could i pass these by? they are just too cute in my cupboard...

and how about these for old fashioned? little peppermint puffs from Hammonds Candy Co.

it's 80 degrees here today. how sad is that? kind of makes it hard to bake Christmas cookies and play my Lionel Richie Christmas album. but they say RAIN for friday. i can only hope.


Cranberry Walnut Shortbread Cookies

Makes about 4 dozen

1 cup ( 2 sticks ) unsalted butter, softened

3/4 cup confectioner's sugar, sifted ( i didn't)

1 teaspoon pure vanilla....the BEST you can get

2 cups all purpose flour, sifted ( didn't..again)

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup chopped dried cranberries

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

1. Beat butter, confectioner's sugar and vanilla with a wooden spoon until smooth. Add flour and salt, stir till just combined. Stir in dried cranberries and walnuts. Divide dough into quarters.

2. On parchment or waxed paper, shape each portion into a log and wrap. Chill 30 minutes or up to 1 day.

3. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. With a sharp knife slice dough into 1/4 inch slices.

4. Place on a parchment lined cookie sheet and bake 20 to 22 minutes. Let cookies cool on sheets and transfer to wire racks. Store in an airtight cookie tin.