Zesty Margarita Shortbread Cookies: The Surprise Ingredient & A Bonus Bloody Mary Steak Rub Recipe
Prepare to have your taste buds delighted with these unique **Shortbread Margarita Cookies**! We’re unveiling a secret ingredient that elevates these buttery, delicate treats to an extraordinary level: **Stirrings Margarita Rimmer**. Beyond just delicious cookies, this post also includes a bonus recipe for the ultimate steak experience, featuring the incredible **Stirrings Bloody Mary Rimmer**. Get ready for a flavorful journey that redefines how you think about cocktail garnishes and gourmet cooking!

Disclosure: This delightful culinary exploration was made possible through a sponsorship by Stirrings. Rest assured, all opinions expressed are entirely my own, reflecting a genuine love for their innovative products. Your continued support for the brands that collaborate with Cake ‘n Knife is greatly appreciated!
Lately, I’ve found myself absolutely enamored with the delightful combination of **white chocolate**, classic **cookies**, and vibrant **citrus flavors**. My culinary cravings have become even more pronounced in my second trimester, amplifying my appreciation for these simple yet profound pleasures. It’s a wonderful time to experiment with comforting and exciting new recipes!

These Shortbread Margarita Cookies perfectly encapsulate all those beloved elements, but with a surprising and refreshing margarita twist! You might wonder, how does one infuse a cookie with margarita flavor? The secret lies in a harmonious blend of fresh lime zest, a subtle hint of tequila for depth, and crucially, **Stirrings Margarita Rimmer**. This ingenious rimmer isn’t just for glasses; it introduces a unique salty-sweet balance and a burst of citrusy essence directly into the cookie dough, transforming a classic shortbread into something truly extraordinary.
I can almost hear your thoughts: ‘Adding a margarita rimmer to a shortbread cookie? What’s the logic there?’ It sounds unconventional, I know, but trust me, this is where the magic happens! Let’s dive into why this unexpected ingredient is a game-changer for your baking.

My enthusiasm for Stirrings products is no secret; I’ve been a loyal fan for years, often featuring their exceptional mixers and garnishes in recipes right here on the blog. Their commitment to quality and natural ingredients consistently inspires new culinary creations. You’ll find links to some of my past favorite Stirrings-inspired recipes further down, showcasing their incredible versatility.
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Discover More Delightful Recipes with Stirrings: Cranberry Spice Manhattan | Peach Tequila Sunrise | Winter Citrus Margarita

What I adore most about Stirrings is their extensive collection of **cocktail rimmers**. They offer a rimmer for almost every occasion – from the classic Margarita (a vast improvement over plain salt!) to the savory Bloody Mary, the sweet Lemon Drop, and beyond. While perfectly designed for their namesake cocktails, these rimmers are also fantastic for adding a gourmet touch to other mixed drinks, elevating any beverage with an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal.
As someone currently enjoying mocktails, I’ve found Stirrings rimmers to be an absolute revelation. They dramatically ‘amp up’ the flavor and presentation of non-alcoholic drinks, making them feel just as special and sophisticated as their alcoholic counterparts. For instance, pairing their vibrant **Lemon Drop Martini Rimmer** with my homemade **Sparkling Arnold Palmer** has been an absolute sensation this summer – a truly ‘bomb’ combination that’s both refreshing and exquisitely flavorful.
But the utility of these versatile rimmers extends far beyond simply adorning the edge of a glass. Their unique blends of salt, sugar, and spices make them exceptional culinary ingredients, capable of infusing unexpected and delicious flavors into your cooking and baking.

Indeed, these remarkable rimmers can be incorporated directly into your recipes, as demonstrated by today’s star creation: my new absolute favorite, the **Shortbread Margarita Cookie**. This is not only a **simple** cookie to prepare, but the **Stirrings Margarita Rimmer** transforms it into a culinary masterpiece. It imparts a distinct **citrusy and salty flavor profile** that beautifully complements the rich, buttery sweetness characteristic of traditional shortbread. Each bite reveals the subtle yet impactful blend of spices and a refreshing hint of mint from the rimmer, creating an unparalleled taste experience. Traditional shortbread, renowned for its tender, crumbly texture and rich buttery flavor, provides the perfect canvas for culinary innovation. The simple ingredient list – butter, sugar, and flour – allows additional flavors to truly shine. By incorporating the **Stirrings Margarita Rimmer**, we’re not just adding a flavor; we’re introducing a whole new dimension of taste. The fine granules of the rimmer integrate seamlessly into the dough, distributing its zesty lime, subtle salt, and refreshing mint notes evenly throughout each cookie. This creates a beautifully balanced sweet-and-savory profile that is utterly addictive. The delicate white chocolate drizzle acts as a sweet counterpoint, making these cookies an irresistible symphony of flavors. Imagine: a perfect afternoon treat, these cookies are designed to be savored on their own or, for the ultimate indulgence, perfectly paired with a chilled margarita. Doesn’t that sound like the dreamiest afternoon snack ever?

Now, for an entirely different yet equally exciting application, let’s turn our attention to the **Stirrings Bloody Mary Rimmer**. This incredible blend is far more than just a garnish; it’s a potent mixture of savory salt, a touch of sugar, and aromatic tomato powder, delivering a truly **flavorful punch**. And guess what? It pairs absolutely fantastically with **steak**! Get ready to say a resounding ‘hello’ to your new go-to **steak rub**. This ingenious product serves a dual purpose: it can perfectly rim your Bloody Mary glasses and, more surprisingly, it can infuse your favorite cuts of steak with an unforgettable flavor. The magic of this Bloody Mary Rimmer as a steak rub lies in its expertly balanced flavor profile. Unlike plain salt, it offers a complex blend that includes savory tomato, a touch of heat, and other proprietary spices that tenderize and flavor the meat simultaneously. When applied generously before grilling, the rub forms a delicious crust that locks in juices, ensuring a tender, succulent steak with every bite. The robust, slightly tangy notes of the Bloody Mary blend stand up beautifully to the richness of beef, creating a memorable dining experience. Simply apply this versatile rub generously to your preferred steak – be it a robust ribeye, a lean flank, or a tender sirloin – and grill it to perfection. I’ve included precise measurements for the optimal steak rub experience in the comprehensive recipe card below, ensuring you achieve that mouth-watering, perfectly seasoned result every time.

Essential Tools for Culinary Success
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable baking experience for our Margarita Shortbread Cookies, gather your **stand mixer** (equipped with the paddle attachment) or a set of **mixing bowls** paired with an **electric hand mixer**. These will be indispensable for creating the perfectly smooth and cohesive cookie dough base. For baking, a **silicone mat** is highly recommended to line your **half-sheet baking pans**, ensuring even baking and easy release without sticking.
When it comes to preparing the sensational Bloody Mary-rubbed steak, the requirements are wonderfully minimal. All you truly need is your trusty **grill** – whether it’s charcoal, gas, or even a good quality cast iron grill pan indoors. The simplicity of the steak preparation allows the bold flavors of the rub to truly shine, making this a quick and impressive dish.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I prepare these Shortbread Margarita Cookies in advance?
Absolutely! One of the many wonderful qualities of **shortbread cookies** is how incredibly well they lend themselves to being made ahead. This makes them an ideal choice for planning parties, preparing thoughtful gifts for friends and family, or simply ensuring you have a delightful treat readily available to enjoy throughout the week. For optimal freshness and to prevent them from drying out, it is crucial to store your baked shortbread cookies in **airtight containers** at room temperature. They maintain their delicious flavor and delicate texture for several days, making them a fantastic make-ahead option. You can even freeze the unbaked dough wrapped tightly for a month, then thaw, roll, and bake when a craving strikes!
Is the Bloody Mary Steak Rub suitable for all cuts of beef and other meats?
Yes, absolutely! The beauty of the **Stirrings Bloody Mary Rimmer** as a savory rub is its remarkable versatility. It performs exceptionally well with virtually **any cut of beef**, from the richly marbled ribeye shown in these photos, to a versatile flank steak, a lean sirloin, or even a robust chuck roast. Its potent blend of flavors enhances the natural taste of beef, creating a truly memorable meal. Consider experimenting with different grilling methods – a high-heat sear for a perfect crust, or a slower cook for maximum tenderness, always ensuring to let your steak rest before slicing to redistribute those delicious juices.
But don’t limit yourself to beef! This all-purpose rub is fantastic for a wide array of other meats as well. Experiment by **mixing it into ground beef** for an incredibly flavorful taco filling or burger patties. For poultry, generously **rub it onto a whole chicken or chicken pieces** before roasting in the oven or grilling for a zesty, savory crust. It also works wonders with **pork tenderloin** or pork chops, imparting a unique and delicious twist. Essentially, this Bloody Mary Rimmer acts as a gourmet, all-in-one seasoning that elevates the flavor of almost any protein you choose to prepare!


Shortbread Margarita Cookies
equipment
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biscuit cutter set
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Marble Rolling Pin
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Half Sheet Pan
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Silicone Baking Mat Sheets
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KitchenAid 7-Quart Pro Line Stand Mixer
ingredients
- 3/4 pound unsalted butter room temp
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 tsp silver tequila
- Grated zest of 1 lime
- 1 Tbsp Stirrings Margarita Rimmer
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 Tbsp lime zest
- 1/4 cup turbinado sugar
- 7 oz white chocolate melted
instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350˚F. Line two baking sheets with silicone mats. Set aside.
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In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat together butter and sugar. Once just combined, beat in vanilla, tequila, lime zest, and margarita rimmer.
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In a medium bowl, sift together the flour and salt. Add to the butter mixture and beat on low until dough starts to come together. Turn out dough onto a clean work surface lightly dusted with flour and shape into a flat disk. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
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Roll out dough on a floured surface until it’s about ½-inch thick. Cut into 1 ½ to 2 inch circles, rerolling and cutting as needed. Place cookies on prepared baking sheets.
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Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the edges are just golden brown. Remove from the oven and cool completely on pans. Once cookies have cooled, stir together lime zest and turbinado sugar.
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Dip the cookies in melted chocolate and place on parchment paper to set. Before the chocolate sets, sprinkle with lime zest mixture.