Scotch Shortbread

It is coming to the end of the school year and our schedule is maxed out! The kids have projects to wrap up, finals to start preparing for, year end events and sports practices, which all add up to some stressful evenings. For a study break tonight with my daughter, we made a quick batch of shortbread. The end result was a tasty treat that's not too sweet but just hits the spot!
My friend made this recipe and wrapped it in cellophane bags for year end teacher gifts- great idea!

Scotch Shortbread
1 cup butter ( I used unsalted)
2 cups sifted flour
1/2 cup confectioners sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt

Cream sugar. Sift together dry ingredients and blend into butter. At first the mixture looks like powder but as you keep blending it, the batter comes together into a moist dough. Pat dough into ungreased 9x9 inch pan and press evenly. Pierce with fork through the dough every half-inch. Bake at 325 ° for 25-30 minutes or until the top looks light golden and the edges begin to brown. Cut into squares while warm.

 If you don't have a 9x9 inch pan, you can use an 8x8 inch and cook it a bit longer. The squares will just be a little thicker.

recipe from Joy of Cooking