Rosemary and Toasted-Caraway Shortbread

Buttery, aromatic shortbread cookies infused with toasted caraway seeds and fresh rosemary. These delicate cookies combine the earthy flavors of herbs with a delightful sweet, crumbly texture.

16 servings
45 min

Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup powdered sugar
  • ½ teaspoons kosher salt
  • cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons sanding sugar

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Preheat oven to 350°F. Toast caraway seeds in a small dry skillet over medium-high heat, tossing occasionally, until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Coarsely chop; set aside.

    5 min

  2. 2.

    Using an electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat butter, granulated sugar, powdered sugar, and salt until very light and fluffy, 7-10 minutes (beating air into butter makes for tender shortbread). Reduce speed to low and add flour, caraway, and 2 teaspoons chopped rosemary; mix just to combine. Dough will look shaggy and a little dry (it's not!).

    10 min

  3. 3.

    Press dough into two 8"-diameter cake pans. Brush with egg, sprinkle with sanding sugar, and top with rosemary leaves.

    5 min

  4. 4.

    Bake until shortbread is golden brown and sides pull away from pan, 20-25 minutes. Transfer pan to a wire rack; let cool in pan before turning out and cutting into wedges or bars.

    25 min

  5. 5.

    MAKE AHEAD: Shortbread dough can be made 1 month ahead; wrap tightly and freeze. Shortbread can be baked 1 week ahead; store wrapped tightly at room temperature.