Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1.Combine Butter

   Add 1 cup of softened salted butter to a large mixing bowl.

2. 2.Beat Butter

   Beat the butter vigorously with a wooden spoon for approximately 400-500 strokes, or until it becomes light, fluffy, and creamy.

3. 3.Add Sugar

   Add 1/2 cup of powdered sugar to the beaten butter.

4. 4.Combine Sugar

   Continue beating until the powdered sugar is fully incorporated into the butter mixture and it is smooth.

5. 5.Add Flour

   Gradually add 2 cups of flour to the butter and sugar mixture.

6. 6.Knead Dough

   Knead the ingredients by hand within the bowl until a cohesive dough forms. Do not overmix.

7. 7.Roll Dough

   Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface or parchment paper. Roll out the dough to an even thickness of about 1/3 of an inch. Do not chill the dough before rolling.

8. 8.Cut Shortbread

   Using a small glass or a cookie cutter, cut out circular shapes from the rolled-out dough.

9. 9.Prepare for Baking

   Carefully transfer the cut shortbread pieces to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

10. 10.Bake

    Bake in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for approximately 30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.

11. 11.Re-roll Scraps (Optional)

    Gather any remaining dough scraps, re-roll them, and cut out additional shortbread pieces to bake.

12. 12.Cool and Serve

    Once baked, remove the shortbread from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet before serving.