CLASSIC SHORTBREAD COOKIES
2 cups UNsalted butter (room temperature)
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon table salt
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon coconut extract
4 cups all purpose flour
(NO EGGS)
The cookie batter in the recipe is fairly heavy, so it works best in a stand mixer if possible.
Add 2 cups (one pound) of room temperature butter and 1 cup regular sugar into the bowl of your stand mixer. Beat until fluffy (about 2 minutes). The last 30 seconds or so, add the salt and extracts and beat until well mixed. (see note about salt)
Add the flour, 1 cup at a time, mixing well between each addition.
Dump cookie batter onto counter and divide into 4 sections. Roll each section into a "log" about 2" in diameter. Wrap each "log" in plastic wrap and chill for one hour. You can roll the entire CHILLED log in sprinkles or finely chopped nuts before you slice them if you like.
Pre-heat oven to 350° and slice chilled cookie dough "logs" into 1/4" slices. Place on UNgreased cookie sheet and bake for 18 minutes or until the very edges just start to turn golden.
Cool cookies and frost if you like. If you aren't going to frost them, roll the sliced cookie's in granulated sugar BEFORE BAKING.
NOTE: If you do not have UNsalted butter on hand (no big deal), just use regular salted butter, but LEAVE OUT the salt in the recipe.
ENJOY !!!!!
