Be the hit of your cookie exchange! Shortbread is perhaps the most iconic Scottish treat - and it's sure to be a hit with your friends at the holidays. Here's an easy recipe for classic buttery shortbread with just a few ingredients:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

• 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/4 tsp salt

• Holiday colored sanding sugar, for decoration

Instructions:

1. Beat the butter and confectioners' sugar together in a large bowl using electric hand beaters until fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

2. Stir in the flour and salt until just incorporated into a smooth dough.

3. On a lightly floured surface, shape the dough into a flat round disc about 1 inch thick. Cut into 8 wedges and prick with a fork across the top. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet.

4. Chill dough for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 300°F.

5. Sprinkle the tops of the shortbread wedges generously with sanding sugar. Bake for 40 minutes until lightly golden at the edges but still pale on top.

6. Allow to cool on the baking sheet. Once cool enough to handle carefully transfer the delicate shortbread cookies with a spatula onto a cooling rack until set.

Enjoy your delicious, rich yet easy Scottish shortbread! Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.