Slice-And-Bake Shortbread

Directions

1. 1
   Beat butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until mixture is smooth. Stir in extracts.
2. 2
   Stir together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to butter mixture, beating at low speed until blended.
3. 3
   Shape dough into 3 (8-inch) logs; wrap logs separately in wax paper, and chill 4 hours. Cut each log into 24 slices, and place slices 1 inch apart on lightly greased baking sheets.
4. 4
   Bake at 350° for 10 to 12 minutes or until edges are golden. Cool on wire racks.
5. 5
   Slice-and-Bake Pecan Shortbread: Omit almond extract; stir in 1 cup finely chopped toasted pecans when adding vanilla. Shape dough into 3 (10-inch) logs. Chill; cut each log into 28 slices. Proceed as directed. Makes 7 dozen.
6. 6
   Slice-and-Bake Chocolate Chip Shortbread: Omit almond extract; stir in 1 cup (6 ounces) semisweet chocolate morsels when adding vanilla. Shape dough into 3 (10-inch) logs. Chill; cut each log into 28 slices. Proceed as directed. Makes 7 dozen.
7. 7
   Slice-and-Bake Coconut Shortbread: Omit almond extract; stir in 1 cup toasted coconut when adding vanilla. Shape dough into 3 (10-inch) logs. Chill; cut each log into 28 slices. Proceed as directed. Makes 7 dozen.
8. 8
   Slice-and-Bake Almond Shortbread: Stir in 1 cup finely chopped toasted almonds when adding extracts. Shape dough into 3 (10-inch) logs. Chill; cut each log into 28 slices. Proceed as directed. Makes 7 dozen.