Courtesy of Local Hive™ Honey

Perfect for an after-swimming treat or with a summer lesson on bees, these Honey Cinnamon Shortbread Cookies use a muffin tin instead of a baking sheet, making it super easy to whip up perfectly round, bite-sized cookies in 30 minutes. 

Another cool trick? The recipe replaces most of the cane sugar with locally sourced, smooth and fruity Nor Cal honey from Local Hive™. Made entirely by California bees, not only does this raw and unfiltered blend add complexity and richness that plain sugar just can’t, but by purchasing a bottle, you’re also helping to support our region’s wildflower pollinators and American beekeepers.

Besides honey, pollination is bees’ greatest gift. A portion of Local Hive™ proceeds from every bottle go to PACE—Pollinator Awareness through Conservation and Education—which promotes, protects, and prolongs pollination everywhere. 

Honey Cinnamon Shortbread Cookies

Yield: 12-14 cookies

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Bake Time: 15-18 minutes

¼ cup Local Hive™ Nor Cal Honey Blend

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1½ tablespoons all-purpose flour

½ cup unsalted butter (softened)

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

3 tablespoons powdered sugar

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

1⅓ cup all-purpose flour

⅛ teaspoon salt

1. Preheat oven to 350F. Line 12-cup muffin pan with baking cups.

2. In small bowl, mix together honey, cinnamon, and flour. Set aside.

3. In large bowl, cream together butter, sugars, and vanilla until light and fluffy. Stir in flour and salt until combined and crumbly.

4. Press 2 packed teaspoons of shortbread dough into bottom of

each muffin liner.

5. Drizzle 1 teaspoon of honey cinnamon filling over center of each cookie.

6. Sprinkle shortbread cookie dough crumbs over top of each cookie.

7. Bake on middle rack until edges are lightly browned (15-18

minutes).

8. Once cool enough to touch, transfer to wire rack to cool completely.

This recipe is part of the #100waystousehoney series, celebrating 100 years of 100 percent U.S. honey. If you love how your cookies turn out, take a picture and tag @localhivehoney on Instagram!