These foraged evergreen shortbread cookies are buttery, aromatic rounds infused with fresh conifer needles, orange zest, and salt—a woodland-inspired treat that balances delicate herbal notes with classic shortbread texture.
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Finely chop the evergreen needles/tips using a food processor, coffee or spice grinder, or high-powered blender like the Vitamix Dry Grains Container. (You can also use a knife but be sure to chop very finely.) The mixture may be a bit sticky and fibrous. Remove any large fibers or stray, whole needles.
In a large bowl, combine the evergreen needles/tips, butter, sugar, orange zest, and salt. Mix with a wooden spoon until creamy.
Gradually add the flour, mixing thoroughly after each addition to form a buttery ball of dough. You can mix with a wooden spoon, your fingers, or both
Divide the dough between 2 large sheets of parchment paper. Using the paper as an aid, roll each piece of dough into a 1.5-inch diameter log. Wrap in plastic and freeze for 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350°F.
Unwrap the dough and cut into 1/4-inch-thick rounds. Depending on the conifer you used and the grinding method, you may see little fibers sticking out the edges of the cookies. These are harmless and fine to eat, but for prettier cookies you can take the time to pick them out or smooth them down before baking.
To bake, place the cookies 1 inch apart on parchment paper-lined baking sheets. Bake until the edges are golden brown, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months, or freeze unbaked dough logs for up to 2 weeks and slice-and-bake as needed.
food processor, coffee grinder, spice grinder, or high-powered blender (for processing needles) · parchment paper · wire rack
Fir, Douglas fir, pine, spruce, and hemlock needles are all safe. Avoid yew, which is toxic. If foraging, confirm identification or substitute with fresh rosemary.
Chop very finely using a food processor, grinder, or blender to break down fibers. Remove any large fibers or whole needles before mixing into the dough.
Yes. After rolling into logs and wrapping in plastic, freeze for up to 2 weeks. Slice and bake directly from the freezer, adding 1–2 minutes to bake time if needed.
The fibers are harmless and safe to eat. For a neater look, smooth them down or gently pick them out before baking.
Yes. Use 1/4 to 1/2 cup fresh rosemary leaves, finely chopped, as a direct substitute for conifer needles.
