Maple Shortbread

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat oven to 300°; lightly grease two 9-inch round cake pans; sprinkle each pan with 1 tablespoon of the maple sugar.
2. 2
   In a bowl, cream together the butter, salt, regular sugar, 1/2 cup maple sugar, maple extract, and vanilla; then beat in the flour.
3. 3
   Divide the dough in half and press it into the prepared pans, smoothing surface with your fingers.
4. 4
   Sprinkle each round with 1 tablespoon of the remaining maple sugar, pressing it in gently.
5. 5
   Prick the dough with a fork in an attractive pattern.
6. 6
   Bake for 35-40 minutes, until it is golden brown around the edges.
7. 7
   Remove it from the oven and loosen the edges with a heat-resistant plastic knife or table knife.
8. 8
   Wait 5 minutes, then carefully turn the shortbread out onto a clean work surface, all in one piece.
9. 9
   Using a pizza wheel or sharp knife, cut each round into 12 wedges (do this while the shortbread is still warm; if you wait until it is cool, it will not cut easily).
10. 10
    Transfer the wedges to a rack to cool.