Last Updated on March 31, 2026 by Lisa Keys
Straight from the heart, these chocolate chip shortbread cookies are infused with whiskey and flaked salt. The perfect Valentine's Day treat.
Today, I felt a strong urge to repost this old Valentine's Day blog. It captures one of my fondest memories of William, and thinking back on our visit always makes me smile. He truly mastered the art of the fun surprise.
His brave, caring energy continues to inspire me and carries me toward this weekend's TEDx talk. Truthfully, I didn't quite understand what a TEDx talk was when I accepted the invitation. I only knew it offered another way to celebrate Will's life. So, naturally I said, "yes."
I had no idea that a TEDx invitation carried such weight. I also didn't realize how much the preparation would terrify me. Between panic attacks over the last several weeks, I drafted seven pages of thoughts. Too much, so I whittled it down to four.
I attempted to memorize the speech. I practiced and I practiced. It felt like jumping out of an airplane without a parachute-it just felt wrong.
Several supportive friends suggested, "Just speak from your heart." I am taking their advice and feeling less anxious. Simply speaking from the heart feels right.
To further ease my anxiety I thought it a good idea to bake cookies for all 300 people in the TEDx audience. Baking cookies is much more therapeutic than public speaking. Just sayin'. In addition, to bringing the original Sweet William's Inspired and Spirited Chocolate Chip Cookie I've added this recipe for salted chocolate chip shortbread cookies because I wanted a heart shaped cookie. From the heart shortbread turned out perfectly.
The cookie dough for the shortbread contains no salt, so don't hesitate to generously top each cookie with a good sprinkle of finishing salt. I highly recommend The Spice & Tea Exchange Chocolate Sea Salt for its sweet smokey flavor.
Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 tablespoon whiskey Jack Daniel's recommended
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chopped bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate
- Chocolate Sea Salt or your favorite finishing salt
Instructions
- In large bowl, beat butter and sugar for 5 minutes or until light and fluffy. On low speed, add egg, vanilla and whisky; blend well.
- Gradually add flour until fully incorporated.
- Stir in chocolate.
- Dump dough out onto some plastic wrap. Gather it up into a flat disk. Wrap and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.
- Heat oven to 350F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- On a silicone mat or lightly floured surface roll dough to ⅛-1/4-inch thickness. Cut out desired shapes with cookie cutters. Re-roll dough scraps as needed to cut out more cookies.
- Place cookies on baking sheets. Sprinkle generously with finishing salt. Gently press salt into cookie with your fingertips.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes for 1 ½-inch size cookies or until edges brown. Cool.
Notes
Nutrition
Let me know if you are baking from the heart these days. Do give my salted chocolate whiskey shortbread a try and don't forget to give it a rating.
On this Valentine's Day I hope you are surrounded by those you love most. <3
Marcie Ziskind says
I can't wait to hear your TedX talk! You are brave! And a tremendous role model. XO
Lisa says
Your story is a powerful one of healing and has inspired me to speak out <3
Angela@eatlivehappy says
Those cookies are fantastic. I hope your talk goes well. Wish I could hear it.
Lisa says
The good news (or maybe the bad-depends how it goes) is that the talk will be available on the college web site, Furman University. I will let you know when the link is up.
Angela@eatlivehappy says
Awesome! Can't wait to hear it
Lisa says
It went surprisingly well Whew!
Martine Fusco says
You got this! I have to bake these cookies! They look amazing ❤️
Lisa says
Thanks always for your encouragement. Veronica gifted me that delicious salt and makes the cookies extra special. <3
Wendy says
Lisakeys#amazing. You are loved by many, on heaven & earth.Enjoy your next adventure.
Lisa says
Could not have done this without you and Paul holding me up 💕
Carol Walsh says
You'll do great, can't wait to hear it! You'll have the audience in the palm of your hand with your story (spoken from the heart) and lucky for them to each get a delicious treat. William will be right there with you so no worries mama... <3
Lisa says
I pretty much can hear is voice saying OMG mom not again 😂
Carol Walsh says
Yup...maybe an eye-roll too lol
athomewrebecka says
You are incredibly brave and inspiring Lisa! I know the audience will love you and your delicious cookies. I can't wait to watch. xoxo
Lisa says
Thanks for listening to my talk and helping me get ready
Lisa Keys says
300 guests just loved them.