Brown Sugar Shortbread

Beat butter and sugar until just combined.  Beat in vanilla.  


Add flour and salt.  Stir until dough begins to form a ball.


Roll dough to 1/2-inch thickness.  Cut into 1-inch-by-3-inch pieces.  If desired, prick with a fork.  Place on ungreased baking sheets.  


Bake for 22 to 24 minutes or until golden brown.  Cool on a wire rack.


Shortbread crust for fruit pizza:  Press dough into an 11-inch tart pan with a removable bottom.  Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until golden brown.  Cool on wire rack for 10 minutes.  Remove rim and allow to cool completely.  


Dipped shortbread:  Dip cookies in melted dark, semi-sweet or white chocolate and roll in toasted and chopped almonds, walnuts or pecans.


Cinnamon-sugar shortbread:  Add 1/2 tsp cinnamon to butter-sugar mixture.
