RECIPE INGREDIENTS:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. In a medium-sized bowl, mix all the ingredients with your fingers until the dough is smooth and holds together.
2. Divide the dough in half. Press each half into an ungreased 8-inch round cake pan (be sure to spread the dough evenly and smooth out the top). Using a fork to make a decorative border around the edges. Use a sharp knife (parents only) to cut the shortbread into eight wedges.
3. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the edges begin to lightly brown.
4. Remove the shortbread from the oven and immediately recut the eight wedges with a sharp knife. Cool in the pan for 30 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool thoroughly. Makes 16 pieces.
