Around this festive time, I usually whip up a batch of cookies, squares etc., for my friends and family to indulge in, as it is the season to be munching on rich food and sipping egg nog. This year, I see the probability of pulling out my baking supplies as slim to none, since my schedule has been packed to the rim… and I can attribute it to my procrastination too.

Therefore, I needed help to make up for my lack of sweet treats in gifts this year. So I investigated who the cream of the crop of shortbread suppliers are in the Toronto area. As is the trend for my articles, I ventured around the city (and beyond) to do my research. There was a common theme that ran across several of the vendors I came across, which was developing a business out of the love of baking, and taking a family recipe and perfecting it to share the end results with the public.

I came across two vendors at the One of a Kind Christmas Show (OOAK) this year, with one being the very popular Coach House Shortbread Company (993 Queen Street East). Every time I approached their booth, there were tons of people milling around to try their samples. These cookies literally do melt in the mouth, and come in a variety of flavours including lavender, original, cranberry and rosemary & stilton ($9.95 for the sweet flavours, $10.95 for the savoury, for a tube of approximately 18 cookies). From their website, it is noted that the company is open for two to three days during the Christmas season to the public. Customers will have to call ahead of time to indicate the quantity and flavours desired before coming to pick up their order from the cookie maker himself, Carl Stryg. These cookies have a hardy shelf life, lasting as long as 6 months even after opening the package. There is one lone retail outlet that carries Coach House Shortbread, which is Dinah’s Cupboard (50 Cumberland Street) in Yorkville.

Based out of Barrie, Grandma Deb’s Gourmet also set up shop at the OOAK Show. A complete 180 degrees to the Coach House Shortbread, these cookies have a clean, crisp bite to them, which I really enjoyed. They come in packages of one or three dozen (prices ranging from $7 - $25), as well as a sugar-free option. The website offers online ordering, but they are available for purchase at two of the posher food markets in the Greater Toronto Area, Pusateri’s and Bruno’s Fine Foods.

Going way out east on the 401, Isabella’s Chocolate Café (19 Simcoe Street South, Oshawa) in the heart of downtown Oshawa is where one can find very tender shortbread for sale hidden amongst the handmade chocolates. Carolyn Gall Casey, a nutrition communications consultant, decided to take her family’s shortbread recipe that has been passed down four generations and start developing a food business. She approached the café with her cookies to sell at their store, and the rest is history. As stated by Carolyn, “It really has become a point of connection between us (the women in the family) as we grow to really appreciate the talent of our family.” These can be purchased for 80 cents each, $4 a package or as part of a gift variety pack that includes other Christmas themed goodies like peppermint bark. Currently they are not available to buy in bulk quantities, but look toward the New Year for this option.

Known more for their baguettes and brunches, Bonjour Brioche (812 Queen Street East) also has the French cousin of shortbread, sables, available in packages of 10 for $3.75. They are a worthy purchase and have the strong aroma of buttery richness with crushed pecans interspersed through the cookie.

This is just the tip of the iceberg of what’s available out there. Some other bakeries that I have heard buzz about include Churchill’s Fine Gourmet Gifts (882 Millwood Road), where they state that “shortbread is our specialty” and Mary Macleod’s Shortbread (639 Queen Street East), a favourite of our own TasteTO editor, Sheryl. This list should help a couple of harried TasteTO readers (including myself as well) to find tasty treats to add to their gift giving list, and just in time too!