Shortbread Cookies

¾ lb good quality salted-butter, room temp

1 cup granulated sugar

1 1/2 tsp vanilla bean paste

3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting

In the bowl of your electric mixer cream together butter and
sugar.  Add the vanilla bean paste and
mix until combined. Slowly add flour with the mixer on low and mix until the
dough begins to come together.

Place dough on a lightly floured surface and shape into a
round disk. Roll the dough 1/3 inch thick, adding more flour as needed. Using a
cooking cutter, cut desired shapes with your dough and place on ungreased
cookie sheet. Place cookies in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before baking.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are just slightly
golden brown. Depending on the size of your cookies the cooking time will vary.
 

Allow to cool on the cookie sheet. Drizzle with melted
chocolate or frosting as desired.