Basic Shortbread With Variations Recipe

Ingredients for Basic Shortbread With Variations

• 1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter
• Icing Sugar
• Vanilla Extract
• All Purpose Flour
• Fine Sea Salt

How to Make Basic Shortbread With Variations

1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a medium bowl.
3. In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter with an electric mixer until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
4. Gradually add 3/4 cup granulated sugar, beating until smooth and creamy.
5. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
6. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
7. Divide the dough in half, flatten into 1-inch thick disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.
8. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one dough disk to your desired thickness (1/3 inch for variations or 1/2 inch for thicker cookies).
9. Use cookie cutters to shape the cookies.
10. Place cookies on prepared baking sheets and chill for another 20 minutes.
11. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden and the cookies are firm to the touch. Do not overbake.
12. Let cool completely on a wire rack before decorating (if using variations).
13. **White Chocolate Dipped:** After cooling, melt 6 ounces of white chocolate in a double boiler or microwave. Dip cooled cookies into chocolate and place back on wire rack to set.
14. **Cranberry Clementine:** Omit vanilla extract from the basic recipe. Stir in 1/2 cup finely chopped dried cranberries and 2 tablespoons grated clementine zest into the dough before chilling. Roll to 1/2 inch thickness.
15. **Pecan Macadamia Bites:** Add 1/4 cup finely chopped pecans and 1/4 cup finely chopped macadamia nuts to the dough. Scoop tablespoons of dough, roll into balls, flatten slightly, and bake. Dust with powdered sugar after cooling.
16. **Sugar Stars:** Roll dough to 1/3 inch thickness, cut into stars. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse white sugar before baking.