Make Ahead

Rosemary Piñon Ice Box Cookies

September 12, 2011
0
0 Ratings
  • Makes about 2 dozen
Author Notes

This cookie just won a Blue Ribbon at the New Mexico State Fair! The fresh rosemary makes for a delicious surprise. It was developed for high altitude (5,000 ft). If you are making it at sea level, increase the sugar to 3/4 cups and reduce the oven to 350. I added the lemon zest to brighten up the rosemary flavor. Since seasonings have to be more assertive at high altitude, you may not need it at sea level. The cornmeal adds a little crunch and the potato starch makes the cookie a little tender. Do not chop the pine nuts in the food processor; it is too easy to over chop. —garlic&lemon

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Ingredients
  • 1 1/2 cups Unbleached AP flour
  • 1 tablespoon Cornmeal
  • 2 teaspoons potato or corn starch
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon table salt
  • 1/2 cup plus 2 T granualted sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, chopped before measuring
  • 1/2 cup pine nuts, toasted and cooled
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest, chopped before measuring
Directions
  1. Combine the first 5 ingredients in a bowl and whisk to blend. Set aside. Chop the pine nuts in small to medium pieces. Set aside.
  2. In a food processor, pulse the sugar, rosemary and lemon zest until combined and the rosemary is finely chopped. Transfer to your mixer bowl.
  3. Add the butter to the sugar mixture and beat on medium to high speed until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla; beat until thoroughly combined. Add the chopped pine nuts and the flour mixture and mix on low until the dough absorbs the flour. Turn the dough out onto a large piece of plastic wrap and shape it into a log about 1 1/2 inches thick. Wrap tightly and refrigerate until firm, 1 - 2 hours.
  4. Heat the oven to 375 F. Line your cookie sheet with parchment or a Silpat liner. Using a thin, very sharp knife, cut the dough into disks about 1/4 inch thick. Wipe the knife every few cookies to keep the cuts clean. Arrange on cookie sheets about 2 inches apart.
  5. Bake until the sides are lightly brown, 10 - 12 minutes. After 8 minutes, rotate your cookie sheets to ensure even browning. If you are baking more than one sheet at a time, switch the positions, too. Let cool on the sheet for 5 minutes. Using a thin, firm spatula, transfer to a rack to finish cooling. If there are any left after you have sampled to make sure they are any good, store in an airtight container. These freeze well.

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2 Reviews

boulangere December 3, 2012
I love your combination of flavors, and I'm adding your cookies to my holiday cookie platters. Thank you.
AntoniaJames May 16, 2012
Congrats on your State Fair Blue Ribbon for these cookies, which look simply delightful! I especially like the touch of lemon with the rosemary. I plan to make these soon. Thanks for sharing this recipe! ;o)