Christmas cookies are my favorite tradition for the holiday season. When I lived in Osceola, Arkansas one of my friends hosed a cookie swap. My sweet friend Layne Rayder, who sadly passed away earlier this year, brought these and they were so buttery and rich. We made them in her honor this year.

Scotch Shortbread by Layne Rayder

• 3/4 cup Unsalted butter ; not margarine
• 1/4 cup Sugar
• 2 cups Flour
• 1 tsp. Vanilla extract

Cream butter and sugar. Slowly add flour until incorporated. Add vanilla. Chill dough. Anytime dough becomes difficult to work with, chill for 15-20 minutes. Roll out and cut into favorite shapes. Bake at 350 for 15 minutes or until light brown. Cool on a rack and decorate with colored sprinkles and colored sugar. Makes 24 cookies.