Classic Shortbread Cookies

 Classic Shortbread Cookies

Ingredients:

– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt

 Instructions:

1. **Preheat the Oven**: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. **Cream the Butter and Sugars**: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.

3. **Add Vanilla**: Mix in the vanilla extract until well combined.

4. **Add Dry Ingredients**: Gradually add the flour and salt to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until the dough comes together. The dough should be smooth and not crumbly.

5. **Shape the Cookies**: Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a cookie cutter to cut out shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Alternatively, you can roll the dough into a log and slice it into rounds.

6. **Chill the Dough**: Chill the cookies in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes before baking to help them hold their shape.

7. **Bake**: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. The cookies should be pale in color.

8. **Cool**: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

9. **Enjoy**: Once cooled, your shortbread cookies are ready to be enjoyed! They can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.

Feel free to adjust the thickness and shape of the cookies to your liking. Enjoy baking!