Cookies for the Holidays: Scotch Shortbread

    Want a cookie that can be made in 10 minutes (or less), needs just a few ingredients...and tastes delicious?

Scotch Shortbread is for you.

Normally I sprinkle these rich butter cookies heavily with regular sugar -- but red and green sprinkles would look even more festive. Here we go:


SCOTCH SHORTBREAD

1 cup (2 sticks) butter
1/2 cup sugar (granulated or confectioners) --
     add another 1/4 cup if you like your cookies sweeter
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon almond flavoring (opt.)
2 1/4 cups flour


Mix it all together; you'll have a somewhat crumbly mixture. (Put in the fridge a few hours to firm up, or just continue.)  Now press into a pan -- this takes about 2/3 of a 9 x 13 cookie sheet, or use a smaller pan for a thicker cookie.
       Sprinkle heavily with sugar.

That's it. Bake at 325 degrees for 20 min., or until firm, but not brown.
Let cool a little, then cut into squares or diamonds. (You can also drizzle them with frosting, like the jam cookies in this photo.) You'll get 12-20 cookies, depending on size.

Especially good for coffee, tea or hot chocolate. Yum.