Vanilla Sand Dollar Cookies

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 325F.

2. 2

   Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone liners or grease generously with butter or cooking spray.

3. 3

   With a pastry brush, lightly coat a cookie stamp with a neutral-tasting vegetable oil, such as canola, or mist it with cooking spray.

4. 4

   Using an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, mix the butter, sugar, and vanilla on medium-low speed until combined.

5. 5

   Add the flour and salt and mix on low speed just until thoroughly combined.

6. 6

   (Dont overmix here or the cookies can be tough.)

7. 7

   Using a 1 1/4-inch scoop, drop the dough on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.

8. 8

   Stamp each dough ball firmly enough to make an imprint, but dont press so hard that the cookie flattens to less than 1/4 inch thick.

9. 9

   Bake until the cookies begin to look golden brown around the edges, about 10 minutes.

10. 10

    The cookies will keep for a few days in an airtight container.

11. 11

    Youll find cookie stamps in many patterns at most well-stocked specialty kitchen stores, or check out www.rycraft.com.

12. 12

    In addition to ones depicting sand dollars, they stock numerous others that are sea-related, including seahorses, sea turtles, crabs, starfish, and dolphins.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.