Icebox Butter Cookies
- 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups plus 2 tablespoons sifted all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup sanding sugar (or granulated sugar), for rolling
- In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Add the egg and vanilla, and beat to combine.
- Add the flour and salt; mix on low speed until combined.
- Turn out the dough onto a clean work surface.
- Divide in half and roll each piece into a log about 1 1/2 inches in diameter.
- Wrap in parchment paper, making sure to cover ends completely, and place in empty paper-towel tubes, if using.
- Refrigerate until firm, at least 1 hour or overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 350F, with racks in the upper and lower thirds.
- Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Let dough stand at room temperature until soft enough to slice, about 15 minutes.
- Roll dough logs in sanding sugar, coating them evenly, and slice into 1/4-inch-thick rounds.
- Place about 1 inch apart on prepared sheets.
- Bake, rotating sheets halfway through, until golden brown around the edges, 15 to 20 minutes.
- Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Finely chop 4 ounces bittersweet chocolate (3/4 cup).
- Sift out fine dust and discard.
- Follow instructions for the Icebox Butter Cookies, adding chopped chocolate along with the flour.
- Finely chop 4 ounces (1/2 cup) lightly toasted pecans or pistachios.
- Sift out fine dust and discard.
- Follow instructions for the Icebox Butter Cookies, adding chopped nuts along with the flour.
unsalted butter, sugar, egg, vanilla, flour, salt, sanding sugar
Taken from www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/icebox-butter-cookies-390172 (may not work)