Welcome back to The Cookie Elf File … and to easy cookie recipes! About once a week, The Elf sends you cookie recipes, cookie trivia and simple baking tips to save you time, mess, and money so you can bake homemade cookies.

Today's feature is a perfect example of traditional Irish cookies -- and an easy way for you to celebrate the luck o' the Irish. Enjoy!

Mix It Up

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Feature: Irish Shortbread - Easy Variation for Luck!

Image: The Cookie Elf

The recipe itself mimics the classic shortbread ingredient ratio of one part sugar, two parts butter, and three parts white flour - with slight adjustments. First, the ratios are slightly different. Here, you can use any type of butter (rather than richer Irish butter). And you can bake these cookies in one pan and cut them into fingers.

Irish or not, teatime or not, these thick shortbread cookies are rich, flaky, and luscious - anytime.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Bake time: 35-40 minutes
Makes about 3 dozen shortbread slices

Get the full recipe for Irish Shortbread Cookies … and discover other shortbread variations on The Elf's Shortbread Pinterest Board.

Easter Fun for Families, Friends, Kids

Easter is coming! How will you and your family celebrate?

The Un-Bunny Book answers that question! It's packed with fun activities, games, crafts, snacks, and stories that are based on Easter's true meaning.

Use it for kids ages 3-12 at home, school, church, in the community, or with your homeschool group -- or even to hold an outreach Easter event. The Un-Bunny Book shows kids and parents that Jesus' resurrection is something to celebrate. With reproducibles, too!

Learn more about The Un-Bunny Book here.

Cookie Baking Tip: Butter or Margarine?

Image: The Cookie Elf

Make Good Clean Cuts

Crush it with Hamilton Beach and other food processors	Cuisinart and other kitchen knife sets	Cutting mats by CounterArt and others: inexpensive and long lasting

Get Lucky! More Easy Shortbread Recipes

Happy baking,

Kathy, The Cookie Elf
www.cookie-elf.com