- Yields: 12
- Preparation: 40 minutes
Ingredients
Shortbread
- 1 1/4 cups (285g) GAY LEA - Butter Sticks – Salted, softened
- 3 1/4 cups (405g) all purpose flour
- 1 2/3 cups (200g) icing sugar
- 2 tbsp (30g) GAY LEA - Original Sour Cream
- 2 tsp (10mL) clear vanilla extract
Icing
- 1/3 cup (40g) meringue powder
- 1/4 cup (60g) GAY LEA - Regular Whipped Cream
- 1/4 cup (60mL) water, warm
- 1 tsp (5mL) clear corn syrup
- 2 tsp (10mL) clear vanilla extract
- 4 cups (500g) icing sugar
Instructions
Shortbread- Cream Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened Gay Lea Salted Butter, Gay Lea Original Sour Cream, Clear Vanilla Extract, and Icing Sugar. Using an electric mixer, cream the mixture on medium speed for 4-5 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Incorporate Flour: Gradually add the All-Purpose Flour to the creamed mixture. Mix until the dough is well combined and has a thick but non-sticky consistency.
- Roll Out Dough: Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the dough to your desired thickness (typically about 1/4 inch). Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes resembling people.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the cutouts on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for approximately 14 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the Meringue Powder, Gay Lea Original Whipped Cream, and Warm Water until the mixture is well combined.
- Add Corn Syrup and Vanilla: Stir in the Clear Corn Syrup and Clear Vanilla Extract, mixing until smooth.
- Incorporate Icing Sugar: Gradually add the Icing Sugar, mixing on low speed until fully combined. Increase speed and beat for an additional 3-5 minutes until the icing holds stiff peaks.
- Decorate: Once your shortbread people are completely cooled, use the royal icing to flood and decorate them as desired.
Tips:
- For best results, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting.
- Store decorated cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- Experiment with edible markers once icing is set or food colouring in the royal icing for more vibrant decorations.
- Enjoy your beautifully decorated Gay Lea buttery shortbread people!
