Scottie Dog Shortbread Cookies

To flavor the dough, add a teaspoon of grated lemon zest,
cinnamon, maple syrup, or almond extract. 

Ingredients  
2  cups all-purpose flour    
3/4  teaspoon salt    
1  cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature    
1/2  cup confectioners’ sugar    
1  teaspoon pure vanilla extract    
1/4  cup cocoa powder    
12 to 16  twelve-inch lengths of 3/8-inch plaid ribbon, for collar (optional) 


Directions
1. Line two rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper. Sift together flour and salt in a small bowl; set aside. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter until fluffy, 3 to 5 minutes. Add confectioners’ sugar, and continue to beat until very light in color and fluffy, occasionally scraping down the sides of the bowl with a spatula, about 2 minutes more. Add vanilla, and beat to combine. Add flour mixture, and combine on low speed, scraping with spatula if necessary, until flour is just incorporated and dough sticks together when squeezed with fingers.
 
2. Remove half of the dough from bowl. Form dough into a flat disc, and wrap it in plastic. Add cocoa to remaining dough, mix until well combined, and form into a flat disc; wrap in plastic. Chill both discs until firm, at least 1 hour. 

3. Preheat oven to 325*F. Roll out one disc to a 1/4-inch thickness. Cut out shapes using a Scottie dog–shaped cookie cutter, and place on prepared baking sheets. Scraps can be gathered together and rerolled once. Repeat with remaining disc. Bake until firm and just starting to color, 13 to 15 minutes. Cool completely on a wire rack before decorating. Tie a length of ribbon around the neck of each dog to form a collar, if desired. Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 to 4 weeks.  Makes 12 to 16


Source:  www.marthastewart.com