Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1.Beat the Butter

   Place 1 cup of salted butter into a large mixing bowl. Beat the butter vigorously, aiming for approximately 400-500 strokes, until it is light and fluffy.

2. 2.Add Powdered Sugar

   Add 1/2 cup of powdered sugar to the beaten butter. Continue beating until the sugar is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.

3. 3.Incorporate Flour and Knead

   Gradually add 2 cups of all-purpose flour to the butter and sugar mixture. Knead the dough by hand until it comes together into a cohesive ball.

4. 4.Roll Out the Dough

   Transfer the dough to a surface dusted with flour or lined with parchment paper. Roll out the dough to an even thickness of approximately 1/3 inch.

5. 5.Cut the Shortbread

   Using a glass or a cookie cutter, cut out circular shapes from the rolled dough. Carefully transfer the cut shortbread pieces to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

6. 6.Bake the Shortbread

   Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Bake the shortbread for approximately 30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the cookies are set.

7. 7.Re-roll Scraps (Optional)

   Gather any dough scraps, re-roll them, and cut out additional shortbread pieces. Bake these as well until lightly golden.