These Rose Cookies are flavored with rose water, filled with dark chocolate. They're dipped in white chocolate and sprinkled with rose petals. Everyone loves these yummy cookies and this easy recipe!
Sift together the flour and salt and set aside. Cream the butter and sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed for about 3 minutes, until fluffy. Add the rose water and vanilla, followed by the egg yolk.
On low speed, slowly add the dry ingredients and mix until just incorporated. Mix in the chopped chocolate until just combined.
Once the dough has been mixed, divide it in half. Roll each half out on sheets of parchment paper lightly dusted with flour. Roll out to a circle about 1/4 inch thick. Place each circle on a baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap and chill 2 hours in the refrigerator.
Once chilled, take the dough out of the fridge. Lift the parchment paper off the tray and onto the counter. Run a long knife carefully between the parchment paper and the cookie dough. Use cookie cutters to cut out the cookies. Place the cookies on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Cover the tray with plastic wrap and chill for 20 minutes.
Bake at 350 F for 10-12 minutes until the edges just begin to turn golden brown. Let cool on the baking sheets for 10 minutes then transfer them to racks to cool completely.
White Chocolate Topping
Once the cookies are baked, melt the white chocolate. Set your microwave to 50% power and heat the white chocolate in the microwave in 30 second intervals. Give it a stir between intervals until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
Use a spoon to drizzle white chocolate over the cookies. Alternatively, dip or dredge 1/3 or 1/2 of each cookie in the chocolate. Use the side of the bowl or a small spatula to gently wipe away excess chocolate from the bottom or edge of the cookie. Place on a wire rack placed over some parchment paper or a baking sheet (this will catch the chocolate that may drip).
Top with crushed rose petals, if using.
Notes
Rose water: Rose water can be found online, in Middle Eastern Stores, or in the international aisle of most large grocery stores. This amount gives a nice hint of rose water. For a slightly stronger flavor, add an additional 1/4 teaspoon of rose water. Chocolate: I prefer chopped chocolate since it disperses better throughout the cookies. You can swap in 3/4 cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips. Freeze dried strawberry powder: To give cookies a naturally light pink color, mix in 2-3 teaspoons of freeze dried strawberry powder. Storing: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Freeze these rose water shortbread cookies in an airtight for up to 2 months. Defrost them in the refrigerator or at room temperature.