Scotch Shortbread

INGREDIENTS

1 cup butter
1 cup granulated sugar
3 cups all-purpose flour
Vanilla sugar, maple sugar powder, or cinnamon sugar for dusting

STEPS

Using the flat beaters of an electric mixer, cream sugar and butter for two minutes on low speed. Add 2 1/2 cups of the flour and mix thoroughly.

Turn out cookie dough onto a surface dusted with remaining 1/2 cup of flour. Knead dough until it cracks on surface.

Roll out dough to 1/4-inch thickness, and cut into rectangles with a paring knife, or cut into pleasant shapes [Scottie dogs are a favorite] with cookie-cutters. Prick cookies with fork tines and place on ungreased cookie sheets.

Sprinkle cookies lightly with maple sugar powder, vanilla sugar, or cinnamon sugar.

Bake at 275° for about 45 to 55 minutes, or until lightly browned.

Makes about 2 dozen shortbread cookies.