Shortbread Cookies

Ingredients

• 0.5 teaspoon double-acting baking powder 
• 2 cups butter softened
• 4 cups flour all-purpose
• 1 cup powdered sugar 
• 0.3 teaspoon salt 

Equipment

• baking sheet
• baking paper
• oven
• hand mixer

Directions

1. Beat butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy; gradually add sugar, beating well.
2. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt; add to butter mixture, beating at low speed until blended.
3. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface; roll to 1/8-inch thickness.
4. Cut with a floured 3-inch round cutter, and place 1 inch apart on parchment paper-lined baking sheets.
5. Bake at 300 for 20 minutes or until edges are lightly browned; remove to wire racks to cool.
6. Chocolate Shortbread Cookies: Reduce flour to 3 1/3 cups.
7. Add 2/3 cup cocoa to flour mixture, and proceed as directed.