dear cooks,

We know you have your own favorite cookie recipe, probably one that you pull out for gatherings or on a quiet night at home. You might not even need to read the recipe anymore. Don't stop baking them (as if you ever would!),  but you could add a new cookie to your repertoire. Who better to inspire you to do just that than Martha Stewart? In her new book, Martha Stewart's Cookies, she shares 175 of her favorite recipes.

Cleverly organized by texture (from light and delicate to cakey and tender) they encourage you to think of a classic, nostalgic treat with more nuance. Whether you want to keep it simple and homey with Grammy's Chocolate Cookies, get more adventurous and try a Cornmeal Thyme Cookie, or go for something truly elegant and bake Earl Grey Tea Cookies, you'll find the right cookies for the right occasions, along with tantalizing photos and lovely ideas for decorating and packaging them as gifts in standout Martha Stewart style.

Rum Raisin Shortbread

Makes about 4 1/2 dozen

This crumbly shortbread is studded with dried currants, which are tiny raisins made from Zante grapes. The currants must be soaked overnight, so you’ll need to plan your craving a day in advance.

• 1/2 cup dark rum
• 1 cup currants
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 3/4 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon finely grated orange zest
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all–purpose flour
• 3/4 cup finely shredded unsweetened coconut
• 1 teaspoon coarse salt

1. Combine rum and currants in an airtight container; let sit at room temperature overnight. Drain; reserving 2 tablespoons rum.

2. Put butter, confectioners’ sugar, and zest in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat until creamy and smooth, about 2 minutes. Add vanilla and reserved rum. Beat well, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary. Reduce speed to low. Add flour, coconut, and salt, and beat for 3 minutes. Stir in currants by hand. Divide dough in half and form each into a log about 1/2 inches in diameter; wrap in parchment, and refrigerate 1 hour (or up to 3 days).

3. Preheat oven to 325°F. Remove dough from parchment; slice into 1/4-inch-thick rounds. Place on parchment paper–lined baking sheets, spacing about 1 inch apart. Bake until pale golden, about 20 minutes, rotating sheets halfway through. Transfer to wire racks to cool completely. Cookies can be stored in airtight containers at room temperature up to 1 week.

happy cooking!

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