Melt In Your Mouth Shortbread – A Classic, Perfect for Christmas!

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Granulated sugar for sprinkling (optional)

Instructions

1. Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and to make cleanup easier. This also helps the cookies bake evenly without sticking to the pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt. The cornstarch helps create a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture, so don’t skip this step. Set the dry ingredients aside for now.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy. This process helps incorporate air into the mixture, which will give the cookies a light texture. Add the vanilla extract and continue to mix until well combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing slowly until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to keep the dough light and tender. The dough should be soft and slightly crumbly, but it will come together as you handle it.
5. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently for a few seconds until it forms a smooth, cohesive ball. If the dough feels too sticky, add a small amount of flour until it reaches the right consistency.
6. Roll the dough out to about 1/4 inch thickness using a rolling pin. You can cut the dough into any shape you prefer—classic round circles, festive stars, or simple squares. If you want a more rustic look, you can also roll the dough into a log, chill it, and slice it into rounds.
7. Place the shaped cookies onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. If you like, you can sprinkle a little granulated sugar on top of each cookie for a sweet, sparkly finish. This adds a nice touch, especially if you want the cookies to look extra festive for the holidays.
8. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden. The cookies should be firm to the touch but still soft in the center. Be careful not to overbake, as you want them to stay tender and melt in your mouth.