Ingredients

  • 10 tablespoons chilled unsalted butter
  • 12 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 14 cups all-purpose flour
  • 5 teaspoons grated peeled fresh ginger
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 12 teaspoon clove
  • 12 teaspoon allspice
  • 12 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 14 teaspoon salt
  • additional powdered sugar (optional)

Method

  • Preheat oven to 350*F.
  • LIne an 8 inch square glass baking dish with foil.
  • Blend butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar in processor.
  • Add flour, spices and salt.
  • Process until mixture forms moist clumps.
  • Form mixture into a ball.
  • Transfer to prepared dish.
  • Using waxed paper dipped into powdered sugar as an aid, press out dough evenly indish.
  • Freeze 15 minutes.
  • Using a ruler as a guide, cut dough into 6 equal strips.
  • Turn dish 45 degrees and cut again into 6 strips, creating diamond shapes.
  • Pierce each diamond with a fork.
  • Bake shortbread until golden brown and firm to touch, about 50 minutes.
  • Cool completely in dish on rack.
  • Sift powdered sugar over shortbread if desired.
  • Can be prepared 1 week ahead.
  • Store in an airtight container.