Want to stand out at this year’s cookie exchange? Longing for the flavors of your garden? Pull those dried herbs out to add a twist to a classic shortbread cookie for a simple but unexpected recipe. This is the perfect treat to enjoy with some hot herbal tea on a cold winter day while dreaming of the summer garden....

Some possible flavors: thyme, lemon-thyme, lavender, rosemary, sage, tarragon, anise-hyssop 

Add these on their own or in combinations with one another or with lemon, lime, or orange zest

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened at room temperature

• 1/4 cup powdered sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

• 1 cup all purpose flour

• Generous pinch of coarse kosher salt

• 1 tablespoon of finely chopped herb of choice 

• 1 tablespoon of citrus zest of choice (optional)

Directions

• Cream butter and powdered sugar until smooth

• Beat in any citrus zest, chopped herbs, and vanilla extract as desired

• Mix in flour and salt until just combined

• Transfer dough to a large piece of plastic wrap, roll out into a disk, cover with a second sheet of plastic wrap and continue to roll out to 1/4th inch thick disk. Chill for 20-30 minutes.

• Preheat oven to 350

• After chilling, cut dough into desired shapes with knife or floured cookie cutter

• Place on parchment lined baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown