This recipe for classic shortbread is very basic.

Everyone loves shortbread and especially if you have made the time to bake it yourself, its makes a very special gift.

My son is taking shortbread to his kinder teachers this year.

It would also make a lovely gift for your neighbours, friends or work colleagues.

Ingredients

• 250g cold unsalted butter, chopped
• 1 cup icing sugar sifted
• 1 1/2 cups of plain flour sifted
• 1/2 cup rice flour sifted
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• cachous, sprinkles to decorate

Method

• Preheat the oven to 180C.
• Place butter, icing sugar, plain flour, rice flour and vanilla into a food processor or mixer (I used my Kitchen Aid Mixer and it worked fine).
• Mix until it forms and dough and the dough forms a ball.
• Roll out the dough onto baking paper.  This will prevent it sticking to the bench.
• Roll to a 5mm thickness (just make sure they are not to thin).
• Cut our your desired shapes.
• Sprinkle with your choice of toppings like rainbow sprinkles.
• Bake on a lined baking tray.
• Bake for 35 mins or until golden.
• Allow to cool on a wire rack before storing in a airtight container.
• Makes 20

Rice flour gives the shortbread a classic crisp, crumbly texture.

You can find rice flour in the baking aisle of your supermarket.

Here is a print friendly recipe card for you.

Enjoy baking everyone!