Traditional Irish Shortbread

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (or 175 degrees Celsius).

Step 2

In a large bowl, using a hand mixer (or using a stand mixer and the paddle attachment), beat the butter and sugar until fluffy (approximately 3-5 minutes).

Step 3

Turn the mixer to low and slowly blend in the flour and salt until fully incorporated and the dough forms a ball.

Step 4

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface (or if baking in blocks, a piece of parchment paper) and roll to approximately ¼" thickness.Once rolled, use a pizza wheel or knife cut and even the edges of the dough, and transfer the cookie dough (parchment paper and all) onto a baking sheet.OR cut the dough with cookie cutters and place the cut cookies onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 5

Bake in a preheated oven for 15-17 minutes or until the cookies are a pale golden brown.

Step 6

Cool completely on cooling racks, and break the blocks into shards.