Baby Buttons

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat the oven to 350.
2. 2
   Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. 3
   In a food processor, pulse the butter with 1/2 cup of the confectioners' sugar until combined.
4. 4
   Add the cornstarch, vanilla and flour and process until a soft dough forms.
5. 5
   Transfer the dough to a work surface and divide it into 4 equal pieces.
6. 6
   On a lightly floured work surface, roll each piece of dough into a 12-inch rope.
7. 7
   Cut each rope into 12 pieces and roll each piece into a ball.
8. 8
   Transfer the balls to the baking sheet; they won't spread much.
9. 9
   Bake the cookies on the center rack of the oven for about 22 minutes, until the bottoms are golden but the tops are still pale.
10. 10
    Sift the remaining 1 cup of confectioners' sugar into a bowl.
11. 11
    Add 12 warm cookies to the bowl at a time and toss to coat.
12. 12
    Transfer the cookies to a clean baking sheet.
13. 13
    While the cookies are still warm, poke 4 shallow holes into each one with a toothpick or skewer to make a buttonhole pattern.
14. 14
    Let the cookies cool completely before serving or storing.