Homemade Hornet Delight

A gift from the University of Lynchburg

and alumna Tarsha Joyner ’13

Made with love (and lots of sugar) just for you.

Celebrate the festive season with a touch of Lynchburg tradition, lovingly prepared by one of our own. We’re excited to introduce a unique culinary creation from Tarsha Joyner '13 — also known as Mrs. Joy, owner of Mrs. Joy’s Fabulous Treats — our beloved Queen of Christmas Cookies.

Tarsha, not only a proud alumna but also the winner of the Food Network’s 2015 Christmas Cookie Challenge, has crafted a special recipe just for the Lynchburg family. Dive into the holiday spirit with Tarsha’s exclusive Hornet Shortbread!

Watch and Learn with Tarsha

Join Tarsha in her charming downtown bakery, Mrs. Joy’s Fabulous Treats as she creates sweet treats that echo her sweet memories at the University of Lynchburg.

Full Recipe from Tarsha Joyner ’13.

Hornet Shortbread Recipe

This shortbread is perfect for fingers, rolling out for shaped cookies, or dunking in your favorite warm beverage. Enhanced with a warm cinnamon flavor and a hint of maple, it’s a treat sure to delight.

Ingredients:

2 cups flour
1 cup, cold and unsalted butter
1/2 cup sugar
2 teaspoons sea salt
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon maple extract

Instructions:

Prepare the Dough:

In a stand mixer, add the butter, sugar, salt, and maple extract. (If you don’t have a stand mixer you can use a fork in a bowl.)
Mix on low speed until the sugar disappears.In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and cinnamon.
Add the flour mixture all at once to the butter mixture.
Mix on low speed until the dough forms. If you don’t have a stand mixer, mix by hand or use a fork until combined, then squish together into a dough ball. Kids love this par

Shape the Dough:

For finger-shaped cookies: Firmly press the dough into a parchment-lined pan (8x8 for the recipe quantity).
For shaped cookies: Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface and cut into desired shapes.
For pressed dough, poke holes across the surface with a fork to prevent bubbling during baking.
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Bake:

Preheat your oven to 325°F.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are just golden.
Baking times may vary depending on your oven.
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Cool and Serve: Allow the shortbread to cool completely before cutting or decorating as desired.

Want to see more? Watch Tarsha's full video!

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