This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, see our privacy policy.
Emery Kate. She's here! All 7 pounds 2 ounces of her! If you're a friend of The Café you know that we've been anxiously awaiting the birth of this sweet, baby granddaughter. With her arrival being seven days late, last week seemed to be extra long as each morning we'd wonder, "Will this be the day?". And in the evenings, we'd slip under the covers saying, "Think this will be the night?".
We're thrilled to report that today was the day! Both mom and baby are doing well and the new daddy, well let's just say if you look up "proud as punch" in the dictionary ............ well, you'll most likely see a picture of Nick! He seems to be embracing this new phase of life with great enthusiasm and delight. In fact, I have a feeling that there's a long standing prejudice that's about to sprout wings and fly away. I remember the day as if it were yesterday, though it actually occurred many years ago. Nick was in the fourth grade and almost always came bounding into the house each day after school, happy as a lark and eager to share the details of his school adventures.
But this particular day was different. Very different. My cheerful, sandy-haired son with the big brown eyes walked though the door quite disgruntled. Disgusted. Appalled. "What in the world is the problem?" I said, as I pulled out a snack and poured my troubled towhead a glass of milk. "You'll never believe what happened today!" he blurted out. "I still can't believe it!" Fearing something terribly dreadful, I encouraged him to continue.
"We had a test today." he started. "Yes, and what's so unusual about that?" I replied. The story spilled out - the teacher told the students to take out a number two pencil and prepare for an exam. Nick frantically searched through his belongings, but to no avail. Not even a nub of lead to be found. He did notice, however, that the young lady who sat next to him had a WHOLE BOX FULL of pencils. "Oh good" he thought, "saved" - by a girl - oooooh, but nevertheless, saved. WHEW!"
Not as easy as Nick thought. Erin looked at Nick with a devious expression and informed him that he was free to use a pencil UNDER ONE CONDITION! Before he could have one of her treasured pencils, he had to say (out loud so that everyone nearby could hear), "Pink is beautiful." "What?!".......... "Yup, you have to say it!" A nightmare for poor Nick, but when he weighed the choices, fail the test or repeat the deadly words, he reasoned the latter was a necessary evil.
So you see, it was not the test that had Nicholas in such a dither, but the circumstances leading up to it instead. We've had many a good laugh over the years recalling that legendary day, though to Nick, even as a grown man, "pink" has continued to be a bit distasteful; UNTIL TODAY. Like I said at the beginning of this post, "I have a feeling that there's a long standing prejudice that's about to sprout wings and fly away."
I made these fun shortbread cookies several weeks ago as a celebratory treat (and as a "bribe" for the hospital staff, just to ensure my Lindsay is super well taken care of 🙂 ). They freeze beautifully and the crisp, buttery shortbread pairs beautifully with the sweet, indulgent chocolate buttercream. Oh, and there's an amazing little tang, almost an aftertaste from a touch of goat cheese in the icing.
I used my 2D Wilton decorating tip (also called a large drop leaf tip) for the beautiful rose shaped swirl. It looks fancy, but the tip is what works the magic; you basically just start in the center of the cookie and pipe in an outward direction until you get to the outer edge.
If you've got a special occasion (like a beautiful new baby), want to surprise a loved one, need a sure-to-work bribe or want to celebrate something fun like "Pink is Beautiful", these French Shortbreads with Chocolate Buttercream are perfect, just perfect!
P.S. Though shortbread is classically associated with Scotland, it's popular all over the world. This French Shortbread is adapted from Dorie Greenspans book, Paris Sweets and is a bit unique in that there's an egg included along with the traditional butter, sugar and flour.
Scroll Down for the Recipe - or Save It to Your Inbox
We’ll email you the recipe so it’s easy to save, print, or share.
Chocolate Buttercream
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter, at room temperature
- 2 ounces creamy goat cheese, or cream cheese
- 12- ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 pound bag or box powdered sugar, more as needed
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoons milk or half and half, more as needed
Instructions
- Place chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 30 seconds. Stir and return to microwave for another 30 seconds. Stir until chocolate is melted. If necessary return to microwave for 10 second intervals until melted. Set aside to cool for 10-15 minutes.
- Beat the butter and goat cheese on medium-high speed for 3minutes, stopping to scrape the bowl once or twice.
- With mixer speed on low, add the melted chocolate and mix until incorporated.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar. Once all of the powdered sugar is incorporated, add milk one tablespoon at a time till icing is soft and fluffy. Add vanilla and beat a low speed until combined. increase speed to medium-high beat for five (yes 5!) minutes. If icing is too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar, if too thick, add a bit more milk.
- Frost cookies with either a small knife or pile icing into a pastry bag fitted with a decorating tip. I like to use a Wilton 2D (also called a large drop leaf tip). To pipe a rose with a 2D tip, begin in the center and swirl outwards in a circular pattern. See video here.
Scroll Down for the Recipe - or Save It to Your Inbox
We’ll email you the recipe so it’s easy to save, print, or share.
French Shortbread with Chocolate-Goat Cheese Buttercream
Ingredients
- 10 tablespoons salted butter, softened
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 cups flour
Instructions
- In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat together butter and sugar until pale and fluffy, 2—3 minutes. Add egg and beat until smooth.
- Add flour and mix on low speed until just combined.
- Transfer dough to a work surface and form into a ball; halve ball and form each half into a flat disk. Wrap disks separately in plastic wrap and refrigerate until chilled, 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 350º. Line 2 sheet pans with parchment paper.
- Transfer one disk to a lightly floured work surface; using a rolling pin, roll out to ¼″ thickness. Using a 1 ½″ round or fluted cookie cutter, cut out rounds and transfer to prepared baking sheets, spacing them 1″ apart; repeat with remaining dough disk.
- Bake, rotating baking sheets top to bottom and front to back halfway through cooking, until cookies are pale golden brown, 12-15 minutes. Let cool before icing.
Shop Our Café Loves
We’ve gathered our favorite kitchen tools, tableware, and entertaining treasures in one place, the Café Loves store. It’s a wonderful spot to find something special for yourself or the cooks and hosts you love!
Oh Congrats, what a cute little face!! I love the name they chose also. The story totally reminds me of my nephew who is about the same age as Nick was.
Congrats - she is absolutely beautiful! I love that you made these tasty delights to "bribe" the staff to take such great care of your daughter and family. I am sure it is all part of days work.
Wow! What a lovely family .....congrats on the arrival of your baby grand daughter....am sure the hospital staff enjoyed those tempting shortbread, love the piping very much!
What a beautiful story but not quite as beautiful as Emery Kate! I love her name--congrats to you and your family for this wonderful blessing!
Congratulations on you very cute grandaughter! Your cookies look absolutely gorgeous too 🙂
I can already tell she's going to be an eater :-). She almost has that hand in her mouth. Perhaps a little salt would is needed :-). Have a wonderful day. Hugs and blessings...Mary
The last picture! I aww-ed! And I don't even like babies and usually find them not so cute. So cute! 🙂
Congratulations on the new addition to the family!
And love the story. 🙂 The cookies look great, too. Great piping and interesting buttercream!
While these cookies are completely beautiful and the goat cheese addition to the icing is brilliant, but I believe your beautiful grand-daughter Emery, son and daughter-in-law have stolen the show! Congratulations a hundred times! Lovely pink story 🙂
Hi Chris, congratulation! Wow... adorable and cute baby, the parents looking good too.
Your cookies is gorgeous and soooo beautiful. You're very creative and your piping skill is excellent. Beautiful click.
Have a lovely week ahead, regards to you and all at home. Hugs for the baby.
What sweet post on both accounts. Precious babies seem to make the world stop for a short time. The parents look thrilled as I'm sure the new grandparents are too. Lovely cookie too Chris.
Such a happy photo of the new parents...beautiful baby!! I think they must've adored you at the hospital:)Congratulations, Chris x
What a sweet baby! Congrats! Also great job on these treats, they look very creative and super tasty.
Congratulations on the birth of your little ray of sunshine. Pink is indeed beautiful, as are French shortbread with goat cheese butter cream.
Woo Hoo!!! Happy, Happy Birthday little Emery Kate. What a sweet baby she is, the photos almost make me want a baby! And such a proud photo of the new mom and dad. I'm so happy for them. I can only imagine how much the staff appreciated these wonderful cookies!! So glad you posted photos, we've all been waiting!
Congratulations! How very exciting for your family-enjoy every minute:@)
Congratulations Chris! You have such a beautiful granddaughter and the new parents look so happy! And the cookies are so pretty!
Once again Congratulations to the very proud parents and the very happy and thankful Grandmother!!!
I would love for to join us for Easter Dinner! With your recipes and talent-count me in!!!
Thanks for visiting,
Sweet Hugs!!
jemma
Congratulations to you and your beautiful family, Chris!
Obviously these cookies made excellent bribing tools. 😉
Congratulations! Parents look so proud. Love the hand knitted cap on the precious new bundle too.
Can't wait to try your shortbread recipe.
How cute!!! Congratulations! A big big hug! 🙂
Welcome to the world Emery Kate! What a beautiful little girl you are with such proud parents. I imagine your daddy is going to grow to love pink. Maybe that little girl was on to something all those years ago.
I've never thought to ice cookies like this Chris but they almost look too pretty to eat!
Congratulations to you all!
Congratulations on your new granddaughter, she is beautiful and I loved the story of "Pink in beautiful" behind it all. What a nice looking little family! I was a new (first time) Grandma in October so I know how you feel!! xoxo
Congratulations. What an exciting time for you all. And yes, I'm sure now he can say with confidence, 'pink is beautiful'. xx
Congratulations to you and your family, and may God bless you always!
The shortbread looks cute and delicious 🙂
Chris, I could hardly pay attention to your cookies today. What a beautiful family you have. Have you ever seen a happier look on a daddy's face? And that sweet little pink face just melts my heart.
Congratulations!! What a great family picture, they all look wonderful!
Great story to remember from Nick's childhood. Sounds like something I might have to deal with, with my 7 year old 🙂
Emery Kate...what a lovely name! I'm so happy for you and your family, Chris. I know all the waiting was tough on you, but now it's all forgotten and you have your sweet baby. Mom and Dad look very happy.
Congratulations Chris, pink is my favorite color! Love goat cheese in my frosting and your cookies look just Devine!
Congrats on the newest arrival to your family. Mom and dad look well rested. There's nothing like a rose swirl on a cookie, Cupcake or cake to make anyone smile. I think it's my favorite way to decorate. However, goat cheese chocolate buttercream! Now that's one I've never heard of. I love both separately, but honestly can't imagine how they taste blended together. That's one I will have try!
You're not really expecting me to talk about cookies, are you? HUGE congratulations to the five of you! What a fun story and what a gorgeous little girl. The whole family is beautiful.
Your shortbreads look amazing. You have great piping skills. Congrats on the birthday of your granddaughter!!! She is a gorgeous baby.
Ahhhh, congratulations!!! I am so happy for you and your family. She is so precious!!
Your cookies looks amaizng and I am loving the chocolate butter cream.
Congratulations! She is ADORABLE!!!
Oh Yes!!!! PINK is beautiful and my favorite color. I don't remember when I became so truly in love with PINK. It just happened!! Now that I have a great granddaughter it is in full fashion. I do not buy anything unless it is PINK or has PINK in it. It is a known fact it has to be PINK in my book.
She is adorable and they look so proud in the picture. CONGRATULATIONS to all of you. You have fun being a proud grandmother.
Congratulations!! The cookies are beautiful! Greetings from a cold Amsterdam.
IT'siso small and cute congratulations to the new mom
what a beautiful baby! congratulations to the happy family, grandparents and all! 🙂
and btw? I love a good shortbread cookie! 🙂
Oh how sweet. A beautiful "pink" little girl. Congratulations to all of you. I think I'll have my cookie now!
aaah love these pictures! just beautiful!!!
Congratulations to you and your family. With three girls of my own, " Pink is Beautiful". And the cookies sound great too.
A beautiful baby it is!!!! Mommy and daddy looks both quite happy! Really happy for you ans your family Chris, a child is a blessing (I know because I'm trying to have one and it's been a while... believe me, it will be a huge huge blessing) These cookies looks awesome!
The shortbreads are beautiful but little Emery Kate takes the cake! Congratulations to all!
What a wonderful picture, and she is yawning in the first one, so precious!!! These two pictures are just divine, I keep backing up to look.
They do look most appetizing!
Congratulations, Chris! Glad all are healthy and doing well :). Your cookies are beauties!
These poor ( lovely and delicious looking) shortbread cookies try so hard to be beautiful but they have to share the post with Miss Emery Kate and she most certainly wins! Congratulations, Chris! What a beautiful baby. Wishing you all good health and happiness.