Ina Garten's Shortbread Hearts

Ingredients

• 0.75 lbunsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 cupsugar, plus extra for sprinkling
• 1 tsppure vanilla extract
• 3.5 cupall-purpose flour
• 0.25 tspsalt

Method

1. 1Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. 2In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, mix together the butter and 1 cup of sugar until just combined.
3. 3Add the vanilla.
4. 4In a medium bowl, sift together the flour and salt, then add them to the butter-and-sugar mixture. Mix on low speed until the dough starts to come together.
5. 5Dump onto a surface dusted with flour and shape into a flat disk. Wrap in plastic and chill for 30 minutes.
6. 6Roll the dough 1/2-inch thick and cut with a 3-inch heart-shaped cutter.
7. 7Place the hearts on an ungreased baking sheet and sprinkle with sugar.
8. 8Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the edges begin to brown.
9. 9Allow to cool to room temperature.