Best Snowflake Shortbread Recipes

SNOWFLAKE-STENCILED SHORTBREAD COOKIES

Steps:

• In a food processor, combine butter, confectioners' sugar, and salt; process until smooth. Add flour and pulse just until combined. Form dough into an 8-inch-long round or square log; wrap tightly in plastic and freeze until firm, 30 minutes (or up to 1 month).
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees, with racks in upper and lower thirds. Cut dough into 1/4-inch-thick slices. Dip edges in sugar if desired and transfer to two parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake until cookies are golden brown around edges, 15 to 18 minutes, rotating sheets halfway through. Let cookies cool 5 minutes on sheets. Transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
• To decorate: On desired paper, draw shape (use a cutter as a guide). Fold paper in half and cut out shape, leaving border intact.
• Lay either stencil on cookie. With a fine-mesh sieve, dust cookie with confectioners' sugar or cocoa powder.
• Carefully lift off stencil.

SNOWFLAKE SHORTBREAD

Steps:

• Heat oven to 325°F. Line cookie sheets with cooking parchment paper.
• In large bowl, beat butter with electric mixer on medium speed until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating well. In small bowl, mix flour and salt; gradually add to butter mixture, beating until blended.
• On lightly floured surface, roll dough to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut with 2-inch snowflake-shaped cookie cutter. On cookie sheets, place cutouts 1 inch apart.
• Bake 11 to 13 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool 5 minutes; remove from cookie sheets to cooling racks. Cool completely, about 15 minutes. Decorate with white icing; sprinkle with sparkling sugar. Store between sheets of waxed paper in tightly covered container at room temperature.