Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup orange marmalade or apricot preserves (warmed and strained)
- 1 drop orange gel food coloring (optional, for brighter color)
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips or black decorating icing
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Continue mixing on medium-high speed for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture looks pale and fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is well-incorporated.
- Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract to the creamed butter. Beat again until smooth. Gradually pour in the all-purpose flour and salt while mixing on low speed. Mix just until the dough starts to come together and no dry streaks of flour remain. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the shortbread tough.
- Scoop about one tablespoon of dough at a time and roll it into a smooth ball, roughly one inch in diameter. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheets about two inches apart. Use your thumb or the back of a small round measuring spoon to press a deep indentation into the center of each ball. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are just barely golden. Remove from the oven and, if the centers have puffed up, gently press the indentations again while the cookies are still warm.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack. If using jam, stir in a drop of orange food coloring for a vibrant look, then spoon a small amount into the center of each cookie. If using icing, fill the centers now. Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave in 30-second bursts. Transfer the melted chocolate to a small piping bag or a plastic bag with a tiny corner snipped off. Carefully pipe triangle eyes and a jagged mouth onto the orange center to create your Jack O Lantern faces. Let the chocolate set before serving.
- Cook Time: 32 minutes