Basic Shortbread - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 c. butter, softened
1/2 c. sugar
1/4 tsp. vanilla extract
2 1/4 c. unbleached all purpose flour
1/8 tsp. salt

Preparation

Beat butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy; gradually add sugar, beating well.
Stir in vanilla. Combine flour and salt; gradually add to butter mixture beating at low speed until well blended.
Roll dough to 1/2 inch thickness on a lightly floured surface.
Cut with a 2 1/2 inch round cutter or Christmas cookie cutter.
Place 2 inches apart on an ungreased baking sheet.
Bake at 275 degrees for 50 minutes.
Cool 2 minutes on baking sheet.
Remove to a wire rack to cool.
Yields 1 dozen.