# What You Need:
→ Shortbread Dough
01 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 - 1/2 cup powdered sugar
03 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
04 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
05 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
→ Filling & Topping
06 - 1/3 cup raspberry jam or preserves
07 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, optional
# Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, cream softened butter with powdered sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes.
03 - Mix vanilla extract into the creamed butter mixture until well combined.
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Gradually add to the creamed mixture, mixing until just combined without overworking the dough.
05 - Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and shape into a log approximately 1.5 inches in diameter. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes until firm.
06 - Slice chilled dough into 1/4-inch thick rounds and place on prepared baking sheets, spacing 1 inch apart.
07 - Using the back of a teaspoon, make a small indentation in the center of each cookie.
08 - Spoon approximately 1/2 teaspoon of raspberry jam into each indentation, taking care not to overfill.
09 - Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are light golden brown.
10 - Cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
11 - Once fully cooled, dust with granulated sugar if desired.
