From Heath Lynn Silberfeld - Gainesville, Florida
My question is about your Linzer Cookies recipe in The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook. I followed your recipe, but the dough never held together. Any ideas?
Ina's Answer:
If shortbread dough doesn't come together, adding a few drops of water usually does the trick. I hope that helps!
From Anna Burgett - Florida
How long can shortbread cookie dough remain refrigerated? Can the dough be frozen?
Ina's Answer:
Wrapped well, shortbread cookie dough can be refrigerated for up to a week, and frozen for up to 6 months.
From Christine - Rio Rancho, NM
I love making your Pecan Shortbread but I don't always have the time to roll out the cookies the same day. How long will the dough last in the refrigerator wrapped tightly in plastic wrap?
Ina's Answer:
Unfortunately, if you chill the dough for too long and then try to bring it to a temperature where you can roll it out, the outside will be too soft and the center will be too hard. What you can do, though, is roll out the dough, cut out the cookies, and then refrigerate or freeze them until you have time to bake.
From Beth - St. Louis, MO
What is your favorite cookie recipe?
Ina's Answer:
The linzer cookies from The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook, because I love shortbread and raspberry together. A close second is the Ultimate Ginger Cookies from Barefoot Contessa At Home.
From Nancy Ciampa - Long Island, NY
I love your shortbread cookie recipe and love giving them as gifts. However, I find the dough hard to work with, it's not a smooth dough and find it hard to keep together and roll out smoothly to make cookies. Any advice?
Ina's Answer:
Different butters have different water content, and some can be drier than others. If the shortbread dough feels dry, I add a teaspoon or two of water until it's easier to work with.