How do you make short bread cookies?

Shortbread Cookies: A Simple and Delicious Treat

Shortbread cookies are a classic and beloved treat, known for their buttery, crumbly texture and simple ingredients. Here's a straightforward recipe for making delicious shortbread cookies:

Ingredients:

* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

* 1/2 cup granulated sugar

* 1/4 cup powdered sugar

* 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

* 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.

2. Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don't overmix!

3. Chill the Dough: Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This will help the dough firm up and prevent spreading during baking.

4. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mat.

5. Shape and Bake:

* For classic rounds: Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness and use cookie cutters to cut out shapes.

* For bars: Press the dough evenly into a lightly greased 9x13 inch baking pan.

6. Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden brown around the edges.

7. Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Variations:

* Flavoring: Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dough for a classic vanilla shortbread. You can also add other flavorings like almond extract, lemon zest, or orange zest.

* Toppings: Sprinkle the cookies with sugar before baking for a classic touch. Add chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit to the dough for extra flavor and texture.

* Shapes: Use different cookie cutters to create fun shapes, or try rolling the dough into a log, slicing it, and baking for a more rustic look.

Tips:

* Use high-quality butter for the best flavor.

* Don't overmix the dough, as this can make the cookies tough.

* For a crisp shortbread, bake it until golden brown. For a softer shortbread, bake it for a shorter amount of time.

* Store shortbread cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Enjoy making and savoring these delicious shortbread cookies!