Making Memories and Shortbread Cookies

This is the best shortbread cookie I have ever had.

This one is definitely going to be added to my holiday cookie gift box.

One of my favorite cookies is the shortbread cookie, but it can't be a dry shortbread. I like the ones that are so buttery they just melt in your mouth.

That is exactly what this cookie does.

I have been spending this week with my granddaughter Lydia.

I don't get to see her very often, and when I do, I like to make the visit memorable.

Wouldn't it be nice if you could just freeze time, or go back to the beginning of your life? There are so many things I would do differently. I would never redo the birthdays of my children, but I sure would use the time I had with them better than what I did.

I spent so much time working trying to support them, that I didn't slow down and enjoy their achievements, their happy times, and their worries.

I have always had great communication with my kids, but was I really there for them?

Being given the opportunity to spend time with my grandchildren is a must in my book. THEY WILL MISS ME WHEN I'M GONE!!

Lydia and I have made cookies, visited the Defiance College, and made a special trip to Dairy Queen.

I am trying to keep things fun for her.

And a three year old....always curious.

Look at this mom, I am finally using (for the first time) the snowman cookie press that you got for me (I think) 5 years ago.

I placed it on my year round snowman shelf and used it for decoration instead of making cookies.

I knew this would be the perfect tool for Lydia.

Here is my beautiful granddaughter Lydia helping me make shortbread cookies.

The first tray of cookies, grandma had to help to make sure she knew what to do, so placing my hand on top of hers, I showed her how to press the cookies and dip the press back into the cinnamon and sugar mixture to press another cookie.

This is what I got after about four times helping her; "I can do it by myself gramma. I am doing a good job."

And she did just that.

Look what a good job Lydia did pressing the cookies.

A perfect snowman on each cookie.

Here is Lydia showing off her hard work, and she wants to share the recipe with you.

Oh, and while I was taking this picture I told Lydia to smile. She said, "SMILE" for the picture (goofy girl).

Shortbread Cookies

1 c. butter, softened

1/2 c. packed brown sugar

1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice

1/8 tsp. salt

2 1/4 c. all-purpose flour

Nonstick cooking spray

Cookie press

Granulated sugar and cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper, set aside. In a large bowl, beat butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Beat until combined, scraping side of bowl occasionally. Gradually beat in as much of the four as you can with the mixer (I got all of it mixed in). Using a wooden spoon, stir in any remaining flour.

Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Place balls 2 inches apart on prepared cookie sheet. Coat the bottom of a cookie stamp with nonstick cooking spray and dip the stamp in granulated sugar and cinnamon mixture. Flatten each ball of dough, imprinting the press pattern on the cookie.

Bake in preheated oven for 12 to 15 (mine took 16) minutes or until lightly browned. Transfer cookies to a wire rack; let cool. Makes about 36 cookies.

To Store: Layer cookies between waxed paper in an airtight container, cover. Store at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Good Luck~Happy Eating~Enjoy