Classic Shortbread Cookies

This shockingly easy, crisp, melt in your mouth shortbread cookies recipe comes together with five ingredients you probably have in your pantry! The cookies keep for weeks when stored properly and you can make the dough well in advance for on demand treats!

Ingredients:
2 cup salted butter, softened
1 cup granulated, or brown sugar packed
4 cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon vanilla extract, optional

Instructions:
Set out an electric stand mixer. Add the softened butter and brown sugar. Cream on high until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. (Don’t skimp on the time!)
Scrape the bowl with a rubber spatula, then turn the mixer on low. Add the vanilla extract, then slowly add in the flour. Once combined, turn off the mixer as to no over-mix the dough.
Press the dough into a rectangle and wrap well in plastic. Chill for at least 1 hour.
When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Line 2 large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Thoroughly flour a clean work surface. Place the dough in the center of the floured area and roll it out into an even sheet, ½ inch thick. Use as much flour as needed to keep the dough from sticking to the counter or rolling pin.
Use a large chef’s knife (or pizza cutter) to cut the shortbread dough into 2 ½ X 1 inch pieces. Carefully move the pieces to the baking sheets, spreading them 1 ½ inches apart.
Use a fork to poke holes over the surface of each cookie. This helps release steam so the cookies hold their shape better.
Bake for 20-22 minutes, until golden around the edges. Sprinkle the top of each cookie with Cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheets before moving.

Notes:
– The cookie dough can be made well in advance. It keeps for about a week in the fridge and a month in the freezer. Make sure to wrap very well and allow to warm up just enough to cut.
– If your butter isn’t room temp just cut the sticks into a few slices and microwave on 50% power in 5 second bursts. Flip the butter with every burst.
– Liven these up with your favorite toasted nuts and spices for extra crunch and flavor.
– The dots on the bottom can be in any pattern you’s like so have fun trying different things out and by all means get the kids to help it you have little ones around.

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