You know what I like about Dorie? Besides all of her delicious recipes? She takes the time to answer questions from the people who bake/cook from her books. Simple questions.  LIke – can I used dried hibuscus flowers in the Rose-Hibiscus Shortbread Fans instead of the called for hibiscus tea leaves?  Within just a few hours she tweeted me back that yes, I could do that but use less than the two teaspoons.  Thank you, Dorie.  You rock!  I crushed the dried flowers and added them into the mix.

I also didn’t have rose extract so I used about 2 tsp of rose water instead.  That also worked quite well.  And the fragrance of the rose was heavenly every time I opened the oven to check on the fans.  UUUuummmm!!

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I was excited to make shortbread fans because I had a new pan that I hadn’t used much yet.  Plus I love shortbread.  They came out perfectly.  In fact I may use this recipe and change the flavors because this recipe came out so well.  Soft yet crispy.  AND they didn’t crumble apart like many shortbreads do.  So, thanks again, Dorie!

I admit I couldn’t taste the hibiscus in the cookies but my dried flowers may have been past their prime.  Even the Man liked them which I didn’t expect with those particular flavors in them.  Sometimes he really surprises me.

I also didn’t put icing on the cookies.  Since Dorie said it was optional I just left my cookies plain.

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These cookies are on page 101 of Dorie’s Cookies.  I also found the recipe on the Daily Mail Site.

For more Shortbread Fans check in with the bakers at Tuesdays with Dorie .  BTW we’d love to see more of you bake with us.  Just get Dorie’s book and bake away.  You can leave your links with us.