Melt-in-your-Mouth Shortbread Cookies

We made these, and put whipped cream with diced peaches on top! I loved them! They dissolve in your mouth instantly. This recipe is slightly modified from the one on joyofbaking.com.

1 cup (2 sticks) butter, room temperature
1/2 cup powdered (confectioners) sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups (260 grams) all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cornstarch

In the bowl of your electric mixer (or with a hand mixer), cream the butter (about 1 minute). Add the sugar and beat until smooth (about 2 minutes). Stir in the vanilla extract. Gently stir in the flour mixture just until incorporated. Flatten the dough into a disk shape, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill the dough for at least an hour.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

On a lightly floured surface roll out the dough to 1/4 inch thick. I had a difficult time rolling it because it was so hardened. I had to let it sit for a few minutes, and then use the heel of my hand to flatten it out. Cut into rounds or whatever shapes you wish using lightly floured cookie cutters. Place on the prepared baking sheets and place in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes. This will firm up the dough so the cookies will maintain their shape when baked. Bake for 8 - 10 minutes, or until cookies are lightly browned. Cool on a wire rack.

Shortbread cookies with keep in an airtight container for about a week or they can be frozen.

Makes about 20 shortbread cookies.

*Dianne Owens gave me a great idea, which I am trying out. Carefully roll out the dough onto plastic wrap after all ingredients are mixed. Cut into small squares using a pastry wheel. Gently slide the plastic wrap with cut cookie dough onto a baking pan, and refrigerate. Transfer each cookie, one at a time, onto a baking pan when ready to bake. Saves time and cuts down on the mess.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

I was so happy when I found the perfect chocolate chip cookie recipe! This is Austin's recipe. I believe it has been changed since this version was created, but I love the way these turn out. Only bake them for 8 minutes.

Cream together:
1 1/4 c. brown sugar
1 T. vanilla
2 T. milk
3/4 c. butter-flavored Crisco

Add:
1 egg

Add dry ingredients:
1 3/4 c. flour
1 t. flour
3/4 t. baking soda
2 c. chocolate chips

Be sure not to over mix.

Bake at 375 degrees for 8 minutes.