Kittencal's Buttery Flaky Shortbread Pan Cookies

This recipe will make two pans of the most delicious flaky buttery shortbread and may I add these travel well for shipping ;-) --- using a food processor insures that you will have a very tender flaky cookie, plus they take only minutes to make, these may be made up to 2 weeks in advance and store at room temperature in an airtight container, but they won't last that long lol! and they only get better with time! If you are using unsalted butter then increase the salt to 1/4 teaspoon --- make certain to slice the cookies while it is still warm and then cool completely --- while the baked cookie dough is still warm you can cut into small shapes or circles if desired --- you will *love* these!

• Ready In: 45 mins
• Yields: 2 (8-inch) pans

Ingredients

• 1 1⁄2 cups flour
• 1  cup sugar
• 1⁄4 cup cornstarch
• 1⁄8 teaspoon salt
• 1  cup  cold butter, cut into pieces (make certain that butter is very cold, place in freezer for about 5-8 minutes)
• 1  cup  red and green maraschino cherries, chopped or 1  cup  chopped dried cranberries
•  powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

Directions

1. Set oven to 325°F (set oven rack to second-lowest position).
2. Prepare two (8-inch) round cake pans (can use 8 x8 -inch square pan also).
3. In a food processor blend the first 4 dry ingredients.
4. Add in the cold butter pieces, and blend for about 30 seconds or more to combine.
5. Mix in the chopped maraschino cherries or cranberries.
6. Divide the mixture evenly between the two pans, then press the dough in firmly.
7. Bake for about 30-35 minutes (longer for more crispy) or until baked through and pale golden (don't over bake!).
8. Cool the baked dough in pans for 10 minutes.
9. While the baked dough is still warm cut into small squares (or wedges if using a round pan) then cool completely.
10. Using a spatula transfer to a plate.
11. Sprinkle lightly with powdered sugar if desired.
12. Delicious!