Saffron Cookies

I created this recipe due to my love of saffron and cookies! A tender cleanly sweet cookie that lets the delicate saffron flavor sing through. The longer you can soak the saffron in milk before-hand the better the flavor! (Prep time includes chill time).

• Ready In: 57 mins
• Serves: 4-6
• Yields: 24 cookies

Ingredients

• 2  tablespoons milk, slightly warmed
• 1⁄4 teaspoon  a pinch saffron strand, slightly crushed
• 2  cups all-purpose flour
• 1  teaspoon baking soda
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 cup butter, softened (1 stick)
• 1  cup granulated sugar
• 1⁄4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1⁄2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1  egg, slightly beaten
• 1  cup white chocolate chips (optional) or 1  cup  slivered almonds (optional) or 1  cup  chopped cashews (optional)

Directions

1. In a little bowl warm the milk and add the saffron strands, slightly crushing them. Set aside and let steep, the longer the better. This can be done several hours before-hand. The saffron will turn the milk a lovely sunny yellow.
2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
3. Sift or whisk flour, baking soda and salt together; set aside.
4. Beat butter until softened. Slowly add sugars and beat well until mixture slightly increases in volume.
5. In a small bowl mix together saffron mixture, egg and vanilla. Add egg mixture to butter mixture and beat, scraping down bowl as needed.
6. Add flour mixture to butter mixture gradually, stirring until flour is incorporated. Stir in optional mix-ins if using.
7. Chill until firm (30-45 minute up to overnight) or be lazy and stick in the freezer for 15 minute like me.
8. Drop by mounded tablespoonfuls onto baking sheet and bake 12-14 minutes. Let rest on baking sheet for a couple of minutes then transfer to wire racks to cool.