Shelbis Pig Butter Cookies

1. 1

   Sift together the flour and salt onto a sheet of parchment paper on your work surface.

2. 2

   Place the butter in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, and beat on medium-high speed until fluffy and light, about 2 minutes.

3. 3

   Add the sugar and vanilla, and mix until combined.

4. 4

   Reduce the speed to low, and slowly add the flour and salt to the butter-and-sugar mixture, mixing until the batter is smooth.

5. 5

   Turn the dough out onto a sheet of plastic wrap.

6. 6

   Cut the dough into quarters, and wrap each quarter in plastic, then chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours.

7. 7

   When youre ready to bake the cookies, preheat the oven to 350F.

8. 8

   Line two 9 x 13-inch baking sheets with parchment paper.

9. 9

   Using a rolling pin dusted with flour, roll out one of the dough quarters (keeping the others refrigerated until you need them), on a lightly floured work surface, to a 1/4- to 1/8-inch thickness.

10. 10

    Cut the cookies into the desired shapes, then use a metal spatula to transfer the cookies to one of the prepared baking sheets (the cookies should be about 1 1/2 inches apart).

11. 11

    Sprinkle the cookies with decorating sugar, if desired.

12. 12

    Repeat with remaining dough, and bake the cookies until they are lightly golden, about 8 minutes.

13. 13

    Cool briefly in the pan, then use a metal spatula to transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.