Shortbread Cookies

Summer Sun is all out and is pretty taxing on my energy, especially when am trying to go for walks. So much so, that an already whimsical and lazy me is trying hard to pen down and post. 

This is the second batch of Shortbread cookies and is a clear favorite. Have made them for tart base and they go well with fruits and chocolate as well.
Since the store-bought cookies have additives which I can't even spell, I try making a batch of Cookies for our Cookie jar - for "now". Because ironically am not a stickler and can pretty much grab a pack if am tempted. So much for my " food idealism" :)

Ingredients

* All purpose Flour - 2 cups

* Salt - a pinch

* Butter - 1 cup [226 gms] [sliced into cubes] [At cold temperature]

* Sugar - 1/2 cup [Powdered sugar is preferred] [ Add 3-4 tbsp more, if you prefer it sweet]

* Vanilla extract - 1 tsp

Cooking

1. Sift the flour and salt and keep aside.

2. In a food processor, add the sliced cold butter, sugar and vanilla extract. Beat for 2-3 mins, until the ingredients are mixed well.

3. Then add the sifted flour mixture and beat again for 2-3 mins. The dough starts coming together to form a ball.

4. Remove the dough from the processor and knead to form a consistent dough. Roll the dough with 1 cm thickness and cut into desired shapes. Place the cookies on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for about 30 mins to firm them.

5. Once the cookies are firm, place the sheet into a preheated Oven at 350 degree Fahrenheit for about 7-10 mins [baking time depends on their thickness]. The cookies would start browning at the edges and would be firm to touch. Remove them and let it cool down on a cooling rack.

6. Once they are completely cooled, place them in airtight containers.

Note

* I made a batch few months ago without any tweaking of the recipe. But with the Summer heat, I had to add a few extra tablespoons [about 4-5 tbsp] of Flour to firm the dough.

* Since we dipped our Cookies with melted Chocolate, I used only 1/2 cup of Sugar. But if you prefer to have them solely, then add 3-4 tbsp of Sugar more than the mentioned measurement.

We dipped them in melted chocolate and enjoyed them with a cup of Coffee.

Cheers,