Crackle Top Dough

Directions

1. 1
   To make the crackle tops: Remove the butter from the refrigerator 10 minutes before you're ready to make the dough.
2. 2
   After 10 minutes, cut the butter into small cubes and toss it and the brown sugar and salt into a food processor.
3. 3
   Process until almost blended.
4. 4
   Add the flour and pulse until the dough forms moist curds.
5. 5
   Pulse in the vanilla.
6. 6
   Scrape the dough onto a piece of parchment or wax paper and shape it into a disk.
7. 7
   Cover with another piece of parchment or wax paper and roll the dough out so that it's about 1/16th inch thick.
8. 8
   Slide the dough, still between the paper, onto a cutting board and freeze it for at least 2 hours.
9. 9
   (The dough can be frozen for up to 2 months, in which case it should be wrapped airtight.)