Bourbon-Soaked Apricot, Almond, and White Chocolate Shortbread Cookies

It’s Friday and I think you should treat yourself.

I mean, nothing like a couple (dozen) cookies to get the weekend started right…especially when said cookies contain dried fruit and nuts soaked in bourbon.  Oh yes.  It’s like a work-legal happy hour!

 

These cookies stemmed from the need to use up some ingredients in our pantry and I have to say that this is one of the best ones I’ve ever made.  Perfect with coffee, tea, or just on their own.  Me?  I prefer mine for breakfast, much how I like most cookies and cold pizza or cold enchiladas.  Nate and my father both think I’m crazy for this, but I can’t help what my body wants.  And my body wants cookies, cold pizza and cold enchiladas!

BOURBON-SOAKED APRICOT, ALMOND AND WHITE CHOCOLATE SHORTBREAD COOKIES

• 2 sticks butter, softened
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2 Tbsp maple syrup
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 2 3/4 cups flour
• 1 cup sliced almonds
• 1 cup chopped dried apricots
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 3 Tbsp bourbon

First things first mix the almonds and apricots together in a small bowl.  Pour the bourbon over them and let it sit for an hour or so til the liquid is all soaked up.  Cream together the butter, sugar, and maple syrup.  Add the egg and vanilla and mix til combined.  Add the flour and mix until just combined, then add the white chocolate chips, almonds and apricots.  Mix until everything is well-distributed.  Now here’s the fun part:  we’re going to make these into slice and bake cookies!  Using a long piece of plastic wrap add half of the dough and form into a long log about 1 1/2 inches in width.  Wrap with the plastic wrap and roll til round.  Do the same with the other half of the dough and refrigerate for several hours or overnight.  When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350.  Slice the cookies in 1/2 slices and place on a baking sheet lined with a Silpat or parchment paper, about 1 inch apart.  Bake at 350 for 12-15 minutes until the bottoms start to get golden brown.  Remove from oven and let cool slightly before eating!

Like I said, treat yourself.  You deserve it!

 

Happy Friday!