Very yummy shortbread/sugar cookies - easy to make, too

[tammy]

I was looking for a simple sugar cookie recipe to make Christmas cookies with. I found this recipe in PETA's Compassionate Cook. I used almond extract instead of imitation butter flavor (which I didn't have) and it was wonderful. Simple to make too. Even folks (who aren't vegan) loved it, and asked for the recipe. Just thought I'd share this! Not something I'd make on an everyday basis though as it was so rich.



SCOTCH SHORTBREAD COOKIES

1 CUP (2 STICKS) MARGARINE AT ROOM TEMPERATURE
½ CUP SUGAR
3 TSP ALMOND EXTRACT
2 CUPS UNBLEACHED ALL-PURPOSE FLOUR

PREHEAT THE OVEN TO 275 DEGREES

IN A MEDIUM MIXING BOWL, CREAM THE MARGARINE & GRADUALLY ADD THE SUGAR. STIR IN THE EXTRACT. WORK IN THE FLOUR ½ CUP AT A TIME. ON A FLOURED BREAD BOARD OR COUNTERTOP, KNEAD THE DOUGH FOR AT LEAST 10 MINUTES, USING SMALL AMOUNTS OF FLOUR TO PREVENT IT FROM STICKING.

PAT AND ROLL THE DOUGH SO IT IS ½ INCH THICK. CUT THE DOUGH INTO RECTANGLES OR DIAMONDS WITH A KNIFE, AND TRANSFER THE PIECES TO AN UNREASED BOOKIE SHEET, LEAVING ADEQUATE SPACE (ABOUT ½ INCH) BETWEEN EACH COOKIE. ***** EACH PIECE 2 OR 3 TIMES WITH A FORK.

BAKE FOR 30 MINUTES OR UNTIL THE COOKIES BECOME SLIGHTLY GOLDEN BROWN AROUND THE EDGES. ALLOW TO COOL BEFORE SAMPLING.
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