Preparation time: 20 minutes. Baking time: 1 1/2 hours. Oven temperature: 275 degrees. YieldS: 120 bite-sized cookies.

2 c. butter
1 c. granulated sugar
4 c. plus 2 tbsp. all-purpose flour
Colored decorative sugar

1. By hand or with an electric mixer, cream together butter and sugar until smooth.

2. Add flour all at once. Mix with hands or spoon until ingredients are well blended. Turn mixture into a buttered 13 x 9 inch baking pan.

3. Cover with waxed paper. Press on paper with palms of hands to evenly spread dough. Remove paper. Prick top of dough closely with fork. Bake on center shelf at 275 degres for 1 1/2 hours.

4. Turn off heat. Remove pan from oven. Immediately cut shortbread into 1-inch squares.

5. Return pan to oven. Close door. Remove pan when oven is cool.

6. Sprinkle squares with colored sugar. To store, tightly wrap pan in foil or remove squares and place in airtight containers.

TIPS: Bring all ingredients to room temperature. For variety, use more than one color sugar to decorate cookies. While colored sugars enhance the appearance of these cookies, confectioners' sugar can be used without sacrificing taste. These cookies are perfect for holiday entertaining and gift giving. They can be made in advance and stored in airtight containers.

Good served with: Tea or coffee, fruit, frozen desserts and many light desserts.