Shortbread cookies are traditionally made using only four basic ingredients: flour, sugar, butter and vanilla. These cookies have a very high fat content as they contain a lot of butter. So in case you are watching your weight, do not make these cookies!
Ingredients1.5 cups + ¼ cup all purpose flour
¾ tsp vanilla
1.5 sticks butter [unsalted at room temperature]
½ cup + 1 tbsp Sugar some more to sprinkle on top
a pinch salt
½ cup chocolate chips (optional for dipping the shortbread)
Method
* Preheat oven to 325 F degrees
* In a bowl sift together all purpose flour and salt, set aside.
* In bowl of a stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, mix together the butter and sugar until just combined.
Add vanilla and mix.
* Add the flour and salt to the butter and sugar mixture slowly.
* Mix on low speed till the dough comes together [sticks to the paddle]
* Cover the dough with a plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes.
* Dust the surface with some flour and roll the dough to around 1/2 inch thick. Cut into shapes using cookie cutter.
* Place the cookies on baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20 minutes until cookie are very light browned.
* Place the shortbread cookies on a wire rack to cool completely.
* To make Chocolate Dipped Shortbread Cookies:
* Melt the chocolate in a microwave or using a double boiler.
* Keep stirring till the chocolate is smooth.
* Take the cooled cookies, one by one and dip them into melted chocolate.
* Keep the chocolate dipped cookies on parchment paper.
* Sprinkle some granulated sugar on top.
* The chocolate will harden after some time. Keep in fridge for 15 minutes to quicken the process.
* Store in an airtight container.