Maple and Sweet Clover Shortbread Cookies

Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine the flour and salt.
2. In another bowl, cream the butter, maple sugar and sweet clover extract with an electric mixer. Add the egg yolk and mix well. With the machine running on low speed, add the dry ingredients until the dough starts to come together. Remove from the bowl and shape into a disc using your hands. Cover in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.
3. On a floured work surface, roll out the dough until ½ inch (1 cm) thick. Using a 1 ½-inch (4 cm) round cookie cutter, cut out the cookies. Repeat with the dough scraps. Spread the cookies out on a baking sheet lined with a silicone mat or parchment paper. Refrigerate for 30 minutes or freeze at this point, if desired (see note).
4. With the rack in the middle position, preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
5. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the bottoms and sides of the cookies are lightly browned. Let cool completely on the baking sheet, about 1 hour.