1...2...3...SHORTBREAD

Is it a cookie or is it a biscuit?  Well, judging by which side of the great ocean you are from, our forefathers called them biscuits, we, Americans call them cookies. I say they are just great. The perfect little treat. Actually, I think of them as the little black dress of the cookie family. You can dress them up or enjoy them just plain. Uncomplicated. However you feel about them, they are very easy to bake and simply put, just yummie. My kind of cookie.

Simple is beautiful.

I love to use this old favorite Michael Bonne handmade copper heart cookie cutter. Countless cookies have been enjoyed with this precious heart.

This is what you will need-

1 C. + 3 Tbsp. Butter

1 C. Powdered Sugar

2 Tsp. Vanilla Flavoring

2 1/2 C. Flour

Bake 14 minutes in a preheated 350 degree oven.

Place butter in a stand mixer and beat just until soft.

Add powdered sugar and mix.

Blend in vanilla.

Add small increments of flour. Blend until all the flour has been added.

Prep a clean surface by rubbing a bit of butter in a small area. Dust with flour.

Divide the dough into three or four small softball size balls. Place one on the prep surface and hand pat flat.

Roll dough out to about 1/4" to 1/2" thick.

Using a cookie cutter, cut out cookies.

Place cookies on parchment paper and bake about 14 minutes. When the edges turn slightly brown, they are done.

Front.

Back.

Melt chocolate wafers in microwave at 30 second intervals. Stir chocolate. Repeat until chocolate is completely melted.

Dip half of cookie into the melted chocolate and place on parchment paper. Decorate each cookie as soon as you remove it from the melted chocolate..

Half dark chocolate.

Coconut and pistachio.

Crushed peppermint.

White chocolate, sugar crystals and sprinkles.

Or just a little drizzle of frosting. Anything you like, you can add.

Perfect as a gift.

Shortbread, simple and beautiful. Cookie or biscuit...you decide...Happy baking.