Shortbread Cookies

INGREDIENTS:

¾ lb unsalted butter, room temp

1 c sugar

3 ½ c flour

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 tsp vanilla paste

¼ tsp salt

Preheat the oven to 350° F. Cream the butter and sugar until just combined. Add vanilla extract and paste. In another bowl sift together the flour and salt, then add them to the butter-sugar mixture. Form dough into a flat disk, wrap in plastic and chill for 30 minutes. Roll the dough into ½-inch thick and cut into desired shape with cookie cutter. Place cookies on an ungreased baking sheet and bake for 22 minutes. Allow to cool completely before decorating. Cookies can be dipped in chocolate or sprinkled with powdered sugar, but diehard shortbread fans will want them as is.