Leafy Crumbles
Leafy Crumbles are delightful Mexican shortbread cookies with a tender crumb and aromatic flavors, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Cinnamon Tea
- 1 cup water Essential for brewing aromatic cinnamon tea.
- 1 stick whole cinnamon Adds depth with its warm, spicy notes.
For the Cookies
- 8 oz shortening Can be substituted with butter for a softer cookie.
- ¾ cup sugar Brings sweetness to the cookies.
- 1 tsp salt Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
- 2 tbsp vanilla extract Adds rich, aromatic sweetness.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon Freshly ground for optimal flavor.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour Forms the base of the cookies.
- 1 cup sugar (for coating) Adds a sweet finishing touch.
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon (for coating) Complements the cookie flavor.
Instructions
Create the Cinnamon Tea
- In a small pot, combine 1 cup of water with the stick of whole cinnamon. Bring to a gentle boil, then turn off the heat and allow to cool completely.
Preheat Your Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Creaming the Base
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the shortening and ¾ cup of sugar using a mixer until light and fluffy.
Flavoring the Dough
- Add salt, vanilla extract, and freshly ground cinnamon to the creamed mixture and blend until incorporated.
Incorporate the Flour
- Gradually add the 3 cups of all-purpose flour in two batches, mixing just until combined.
Integrate the Cinnamon Tea
- Slowly pour in half of your cooled cinnamon tea while mixing on low speed until the dough comes together.
Rolling the Dough
- Lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin. Roll out the dough evenly to about ¼-inch thickness.
Cutting the Cookies
- Use cookie cutters to create shapes from the rolled dough, re-rolling scraps as needed.
Baking
- Place cookies on an ungreased baking sheet and bake for about 15 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
Finishing Touches
- While cookies are still warm, coat them gently in the sugar-cinnamon mix and allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
Notes
Chill your ingredients for a softer dough, ensure the cinnamon tea is cooled, and use freshly ground cinnamon for best flavor.