Shortbread Cookies with Dried Mulberries: A Sweet and Crunchy Treat

Shortbread cookies are a timeless treat—crispy, crumbly, and packed with buttery goodness. Whether you enjoy them with a cup of tea, serve them at a gathering, or nibble on them during a cozy afternoon, shortbread cookies never disappoint. However, what if you could take this classic favorite and add a burst of natural sweetness and texture?

Enter Shortbread Cookies with Dried Mulberries. This version of shortbread takes advantage of the chewy, sweet texture of dried mulberries, giving the cookies an unexpected twist. Mulberries are not only delicious but are also rich in antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins, making them the perfect complement to the richness of shortbread.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of making these irresistible cookies, from gathering the ingredients to baking them to perfection. Along the way, we’ll share some useful tips, and suggest variations to make the recipe even more customizable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make Shortbread Cookies with Dried Mulberries, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Shortbread:

• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Mulberry Addition:

• 1/2 cup dried mulberries, chopped into small pieces

These ingredients will come together to create shortbread cookies with a perfect balance of buttery richness and the natural sweetness of dried mulberries. If you prefer, you can add a little extra sugar for a sweeter cookie, but mulberries generally add a lovely natural sweetness without the need for much added sugar.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Mulberries

Start by chopping the dried mulberries into small pieces. This helps distribute them evenly throughout the dough and ensures that each cookie gets a nice bit of mulberry in every bite. You can use scissors or a sharp knife to chop the mulberries. If the mulberries are a little dry, you can rehydrate them by soaking them in warm water for 10 minutes, then draining them before use.

2. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to ensure that your cookies don’t stick and bake evenly.

3. Make the Shortbread Dough

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Set this aside.

In a separate large bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. You can use a hand mixer or stand mixer for this step. Once the butter and sugar are well-combined, stir in the vanilla extract.

Gradually add the flour mixture into the butter and sugar mixture. Stir with a spatula or mixer on low speed until the dough begins to come together. The dough should be soft, slightly sticky, and easy to handle.

4. Incorporate the Mulberries

Once the dough is mixed, gently fold in the chopped dried mulberries. Make sure the mulberries are evenly distributed throughout the dough. You may need to knead the dough lightly by hand to ensure all the pieces are incorporated.

5. Shape the Dough

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it out to about 1/4 inch thick using a rolling pin. You can use cookie cutters to cut out shapes or simply slice the dough into squares or rectangles. The shape is entirely up to you—whether you keep it classic or go for something fun and festive!

Alternatively, you can shape the dough into a log, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm up, and then slice it into rounds for a more rustic look.

6. Bake the Cookies

Place the cut-out cookies onto the prepared baking sheets, making sure to leave about 1 inch of space between each cookie. Bake the cookies for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. The baking time can vary slightly depending on the size and thickness of your cookies, so keep an eye on them as they bake.

Once they’re done, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.

7. Serve and Enjoy

Your Shortbread Cookies with Dried Mulberries are now ready to be served! These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of tea or coffee, or they can be enjoyed on their own as a delightful snack.

Tips for Perfecting Your Shortbread Cookies with Dried Mulberries

• Butter Temperature: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature before starting. Cold butter won’t mix well and will result in dense cookies.
• Even Distribution of Mulberries: When adding the dried mulberries, ensure that they are evenly distributed throughout the dough so that each cookie has a good balance of flavors.
• Flour Measurement: When measuring the flour, make sure to spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife to avoid adding too much flour to the dough.
• Chill the Dough: If the dough feels too soft or sticky to handle, you can chill it in the refrigerator for about 20-30 minutes. This makes it easier to roll out and cut into shapes.

Variations to Try

1. Citrus Zest Addition: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest or orange zest to the dough for a refreshing citrus twist that complements the sweetness of the mulberries.
2. Chocolate Dipped Shortbread: For an indulgent touch, dip the cooled cookies in melted dark or white chocolate. The chocolate pairs wonderfully with the fruity flavor of the mulberries and adds a decadent finish.
3. Nutty Shortbread: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough along with the mulberries for extra crunch and flavor.
4. Spiced Shortbread: Add a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough to create a spiced version of these shortbread cookies. These warm flavors pair perfectly with the sweetness of the dried mulberries.
5. Berry Mix-In: Experiment with other dried fruits like blueberries or cranberries for a different fruit combination. Dried berries bring a tangy contrast to the buttery shortbread.

Health Benefits of Dried Mulberries

While these cookies are certainly a treat, they also come with some health benefits thanks to the inclusion of dried mulberries. Mulberries are packed with nutrients, including:

1. Rich in Antioxidants: Mulberries are high in antioxidants, which help fight free radicals and reduce inflammation in the body.
2. Fiber: Mulberries are a good source of dietary fiber, which aids digestion and helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
3. Vitamins and Minerals: Mulberries are rich in vitamin C, iron, and potassium, which support immune function, promote healthy blood circulation, and help maintain electrolyte balance.
4. Boosts Immunity: Due to their vitamin C content, mulberries can help strengthen the immune system and protect against common illnesses.

Conclusion

These Shortbread Cookies with Dried Mulberries are a delightful treat that offers the perfect combination of buttery, crumbly texture and chewy, fruity mulberries. Whether you enjoy them with a cup of tea or as a sweet snack, they are sure to become a favorite in your household.

With their easy preparation, customizable flavors, and beautiful presentation, these cookies make a wonderful addition to any occasion. So, why not bake a batch today? You’ll enjoy the warm, comforting flavors and the satisfying crunch of mulberries in every bite!