Almond Shortbread Cookies

*Recipe taken from https://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/almond_shortbread_cookies/

*The shortbread are the center cookies; see recipe for Peanut Butter Shortbread Bars for the chocolate covered bars.

INGREDIENTS

• Butter (to butter the pan)
• 1 stick unsalted butter, cut into 1-inch slices, room temperature
• 3/4 cup (148g) sugar
• 1 cup (120g) flour
• 1/2 cup (56g) cornstarch
• 1/2 cup (48g) almond flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon milk
• 1/3 cup sliced almonds
• Powdered sugar (for sprinkling)

1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Generously butter a 9-inch pie pan, or a tart pan with a removable rim.
2. Mix butter and sugar until creamy.
3. Stir in flour, cornstarch, almond flour and salt. Mix until combined. Beat in vanilla and milk just until combined. Knead with your hands if necessary; the dough will come together in big clumps.
4. Press dough into the pan: Scrape the dough into the pan and press into an even layer into the bottom of the pan (it should not go up the sides).
5. Cover the bottom of a 1-cup dry measuring cup with a piece of plastic wrap and use it to smooth the dough evenly in the pan.
6. Cut the dough into wedges and chill: Cut the dough into 12 or 16 wedges. Scatter the sliced almonds over the top and press them gently into the dough. Chill for 30 minutes, until firm, or up to 2 days. (If chilling overnight or longer, cover the pan with plastic wrap.)
7. Bake the shortbread: Set the pan on a rimmed baking sheet, and bake for 25 minutes, or until the edges begin to brown.
8. Cover loosely with foil and continue to bake for 15 to 25 minutes, or until the dough feels firm and looks golden.
9. Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes. While the shortbread is still warm, carefully cut the wedges again to make sure they're separated. Leave in the pan until completely cool.

You can store shortbread in an airtight container for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Sprinkle with confectioner's sugar before serving, if desired.