Brown Sugar Shortbread Cookies

Instructions

1. Step 1

   Gather the ingredients.

2. Step 2

   Preheat the oven to 325 F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper or leave ungreased.

3. Step 3

   In a mixing bowl with an electric mixer, cream the butter and sugar until light and creamy.

4. Step 4

   To the first mixture of butter and brown sugar, add the flour, cornstarch, and salt; beat on the lowest speed of the mixer just until the dough comes together but still appears crumbly.

5. Step 5

   Dump the dough mixture onto a lightly floured surface and knead until it is smooth.

6. Step 6

   Lightly roll the dough out to a thickness of approximately 1/2-inch. 

7. Step 7

   Cut the dough into rectangles or strips with a cookie cutter, pizza cutter, or knife. Arrange on the parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving about an inch between cookies.

8. Step 8

   Using a fork or skewer, pierce each cookie in several places. If desired, sprinkle the unbaked cookies with vanilla sugar, granulated sugar, or a mixture of granulated sugar and cinnamon (combine about 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1 tablespoon of sugar).

9. Step 9

   Bake the shortbread cookies in the preheated oven for about 20 to 24 minutes, or until the cookies look dry and the edges begin to brown. Carefully remove the cookies to a rack to cool completely. Store the shortbread in a tightly covered container at room temperature.