Classic Shortbread Cookies
makes 2 dozen cookies, takes 30 minutes
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/4 cup white sugar
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 cup flour
1/4 tsp. salt

Optional: 1/4 cup turbinado sugar

Preheat oven to 300 degrees.

In a small bowl, combine salt and flour. Set aside. In a medium bowl, mix together the butter, white sugar, and vanilla. Combine the contents of the two bowls to make the dough. The dough should be pretty thick. Roll out the dough so that it is about 1/4 inch thick. Use cookie cutters or a cup to make shaped cookies. (Mine made about 24 2-inch cookies). Roll the edges of the cookies in the turbinado sugar or sprinkle a small amount of sugar atop each cookie.

Bake the cookies for about 13-15 minutes or until the edges begin to turn golden brown, then take out immediately.

These are super yummy with coffee, hot chocolate, or on their own.