Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Brown Butter Shortbread Cookies

Now I admit that I don't know a darn thing about Middle Eastern desserts... But I do know a good cookie when I taste it:@) I never made brown butter before so when I saw these Lebanese Shortbread Cookies (Ghraybeh) on Liz's blog I decided to try them and they did not disappoint!
I believe they are supposed to stay in more of a ball shape... My dough was solid and rollable but not very firm, so maybe it needed a bit more flour. I also gently rounded the edges of the cookie so it would have a pretty mounded shape. The nuts were 'stuck' into the top to ensure they'd stay on the cookies.
If you're a fan of shortbread cookies, you might want to try taking them to the next level by using brown butter. I think you'll like the nutty flavor it adds:@)

Ghraybeh or Lebanese Shortbread Cookies-from That Skinny Chick Can Bake
1 cup butter, browned
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 3/4-2 cups all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 drop almond extract (optional)-I did not add this
Almonds for garnish-optional
  1. Cook the butter in saucepan on medium-low until the butter is a golden color.
  2. Remove from the heat and let cool about 5 minutes.
  3. Pour the powdered sugar into a large bowl and add the butter. Mix on low until it’s combined and the sugar is dissolved.
  4. Add the flour a little at a time, mixing until it forms a ball.
  5. Roll dough into balls and press almonds into the top if desired. Place on parchment lined surface-I used my air baking sheets, no parchment. This will make approximately 24 cookies (Liz says she gets 2-3 dozen).
  6. Bake 13-15 minutes in preheated 300 degree oven, they shouldn't brown. Cool very well before removing from baking sheet.

27 comments:

  1. I could eat a dozen at one sitting. Love shortbread, and the addition of nuts makes these cookies perfect! xo

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  2. It's a good thing cyber calories don't count Lynn, I just inhaled a half a dozen of those delicious cookies with my coffee this morning :)

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  3. My brother-in-law is from Beirut and one of the best cooks I know. He doesn't make desserts though so I'm not too familiar with them. These look delicious.

    Best,
    Bonnie

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  4. These are cookies are so pretty and look like the kind I could get addicted to!

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  5. Such pretty cookies Lynn. Liz in my opinion is the expert when it comes to baking. I can always count on her recipes.
    Sam

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  6. Yum, Lynn. These look delicious. I am not a big fan of shortbread cookies because I once came down with a terrible flu after eating them. 'So silly' I know but that's the way it is. However, if you say they are tasty, I believe you. Big smile here.

    We have been in Fl the past 10 days so not much visiting from me. I did scroll down to see the quilted ornaments. They are very clever. I am picturing one with our Fl Gator pic on it. They are not having a good season because of so may good players that are injured and not able to play. Next year!!!

    Hugs, Jeanne

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  7. Those look delish. I have to make dozen of cookies for a cookie exchange in December - I'm scared. lol

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  8. Yours are beautiful! I love the sprinkle of almonds across the top. I'm so glad you tried these :)

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  9. I always love coming here to see what you've got for us.

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  10. Home made biscuits, nothing better,
    you can't beat them.
    Merle...........

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  11. I love browned butter in recipes. It gives it a different, flavorful note. The cookies turned it beautiful, Lynn. I would love one with a cuppa tea. xo

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  12. OOO, I bet these are sooo goooood....:)

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  13. Sounds good to me! Like Kitty, I would LOVE one with a hot cuppa tea about now. It is freezing here! Winter arrived.

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  14. I love all things brown butter! Can't wait to try these!!!

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  15. These sound fabulous, I love almond in sweets, pinning to make soon!
    Jenna

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  16. This is one of Chris's favorite cookies. YUM!! Skipping breakfast isn't a good idea right now.

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  17. Yum! Brown butter makes everything better!! I think if you eat enough of these you might just become a Middle Eastern guru! :)

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  18. Ooh, I love a good shortbread cookie and brown butter would take these over the top with goodness! Sounds delicious, especially with almonds.

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  19. The cookies are beautiful! I made some browned butter brownies once - they were a big hit at my house!

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  20. Hi Lynn,
    Your Brown Butter Shortbread Cookies look delicious, perfect for the season. Thank you so much for taking the time during this busy season to share your wonderful post with Full Plate Thursday. Have a wonderful weekend and hope to see you again real soon!
    Miz Helen

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  21. I do love shortbread cookies and with browned butter I'm sure these are amazing! Thanks for linking up with What's Cookin' Wednesday!

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  22. If someone could post how many cookies this recipe makes I would appreciate it!

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  23. If someone could post how many cookies this recipe makes I would appreciate it!

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    Replies
    1. Hello! Approximately 22-24 cookies if you roll the balls about 1"...

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  24. Must have done something wrong. Mine took 30 minutes to bake & I still don't think they are done. Also, the cookies maintained their round shape & did not flatten.

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