VANILLA SHORTBREAD COOKIES

One of our favorite cookies to make with vanilla is shortbread. It really showcases the amazing flavor of vanilla and you can be creative with shapes, additional flavors and even frosting. This recipe is a traditional shortbread recipe with extra vanilla. If you have our vanilla bean powder on hand you can sprinkle it on top along with the sugar before putting them in the oven.

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup salted butter softened

2 1/2 cups all purpose flour

3 teaspoons pure vanilla extract 

3/4 cup granulated sugar

2 Tbsp sugar in the raw or coarse sugar for sprinkling

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. 

2. Using an electric mixer, cream together the butter, sugar and vanilla until well combined and fluffy. 

3. Add 1/2 cup of flour at a time and beat on medium speed until combined. 

4. Turn dough out onto plastic wrap.  Knead gently until smooth.  Form into a disc and chill for 30 minutes. 

5. On a non-stick surface, roll the dough into an 8 x 8 inch square, 1/3-1/2 inch thick.  (Note: Lay a piece of wax paper over the dough to prevent sticking to the rolling pin). 

6. Cut into 2 inch squares.  Place onto a baking sheet, at least 1 inch apart.  Sprinkle the tops with the coarse sugar.  

7. Bake for 20-24 minutes until the bottoms are very lightly golden.  Cool on the pan for a few minutes then remove to a cooling rack to cool completely.