Spicy Ginger Shortbreads

Celebrate the Season - Fall Baking Recipe Magazine Contest 2010 shared by Nadine Mesch from Mt. Healthy, OH MORE + LESS -

3/4

cup butter, softened

1/4

cup granulated sugar

teaspoon grated lemon peel

egg yolk

1 1/4

cups Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour

teaspoon five-spice powder

1/4

cup finely chopped crystallized ginger

1/4

cup finely chopped pecans

tablespoon Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour

Glaze

1/4

cup white vanilla baking chips

1/2

cup powdered sugar

tablespoon water

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1

In large bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, lemon peel and egg yolk with electric mixer on medium speed. Stir in 1 1/4 cups flour and the five-spice powder until dough holds together. Stir in ginger and pecans.
2

Place dough on smooth surface sprinkled with 1 tablespoon flour. Divide dough in half. Shape each half into 6-inch log. Wrap in plastic wrap; refrigerate 1 hour.
3

Heat oven to 350°F. Grease cookie sheet with shortening or cooking spray, or line with cooking parchment paper or silicone baking mat. Cut dough into 1/4-inch slices. Place 1 inch apart on cookie sheet.
4

Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until light golden brown. Remove from cookie sheet to cooling rack. Cool completely, about 30 minutes.
5

In small microwavable bowl, microwave baking chips uncovered on High 30 to 60 seconds, stirring once, until softened and chips can be stirred smooth. Stir in powdered sugar and water. Add additional water, if needed, to achieve glaze consistency. Drizzle glaze over cookies. Let stand until set.

"The additions of five-spice powder, lemon peel and chewy ginger turned a simple shortbread into a wonderful holiday tradition. The aroma of these cookies has the uncanny ability to tear children and husbands away from the TV, cell phones and computers, and has them all standing around the oven with big smiles on their faces." Nadine Mesch
Five-spice powder typically consists of equal parts cinnamon, cloves, fennel seed, star anise and Szechuan peppercorns. Look for it with other spices at the grocery store.
Also known as candied ginger, crystallized ginger is fresh ginger that has been cooked in a sugar syrup and rolled in coarse sugar to preserve it. It lends a wonderful sweet, spicy taste to desserts like these cookies.