VANILLA SHORTBREAD COOKIES

- Written by Bhaavya

INGREDIENTS

1. 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
2. ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
3. 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
4. 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
5. ¼ teaspoon salt

PREPARATION

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mat.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture and mix well.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until a crumbly dough forms.
6. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it a few times to bring it together into a smooth ball.
7. Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch (6mm) thickness.
8. Use cookie cutters of your desired shape to cut out cookies from the dough. Place the cookies onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a small space between them.
9. Optional: You can prick each cookie with a fork to create a decorative pattern.
10. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies turn lightly golden.
11. Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes.
12. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
13. Enjoy your homemade vanilla shortbread cookies! They make a delightful treat with a cup of tea or coffee.