Shortbread

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat the oven to 350F (180C).
2. 2
   Beat the butter and sugar together in a medium bowl with an electric mixer set on high speed, about 2 minutes, or until light in color.
3. 3
   Add the flour and salt and stir together with a wooden spoon to make a firm dough.
4. 4
   Turn onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently until smooth.
5. 5
   Roll the dough out to 1/4 in (5mm) thickness.
6. 6
   Using a 3in (5cm) fluted cookie cutter, cut out 10 rounds, re-rolling as necessary.
7. 7
   Arrange the cookies spaced about 1/2 in (1cm) apart on a large baking sheet.
8. 8
   Prick the tops with a fork.
9. 9
   Bake about 20 minutes, or until lightly golden.
10. 10
    Sprinkle the hot cookies with sugar and cool on the baking sheet.
11. 11
    Variation: Chocolate Chip Shortbread
12. 12
    Mix 1/2 cup semisweet or milk chocolate chips into the dough in Step 1 and proceed as Shortbread.