Verified answer

Proper shortbread requires butter and that isn't inexpensive unless you go to the big box store and get 4 to 5 pounds of it.

From the Better Homes and Gardens New Cookbook 1965 version:

Cream one cup butter and 1/2 cup granulated white sugar til light and fluffy. Stir in 2 1/2 cups sifted white flour. Chill several hours. Divide in halfl, On ungreased cookie sheet pat each half into a 7-inch circle. with fork prick each round deeply to make 16 pie shaped wedges.

Bake in 300F oven about 30 minutes. Cool slightly, remove from pan and store in tightly covered tin.

My own notes on the margin:

change sugar to brown sugar and add 1 teaspoon cinnamon

add 1/2 teaspoon clove, nutmeg and ginger each

add 1 1/2 teaspoons apple pie spice

(See nutrition)

250g (9 oz) plain flour

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon baking powder

225g (8 oz) butter

100g (4 oz) caster sugar

Preparation method

1. Preheat oven to 170 C / Gas mark 3.

2. Sift together the flour, salt and baking powder. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the sifted dry ingredients and mix to combine. Chill until dough is easy to handle, about 10 minutes.

3. On a lightly floured surface roll dough out to 5cm (1/4 in) thick. Cut into desired shapes and place on ungreased baking trays.

4. Bake in preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes.