Un Kurabiyesi Melt In The Mouth Turkish Shortbread Cookies

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In north africa & the middle east are many variations of the humble shortbread, they all go by different names but are all very similar in taste & appearance. This turkish recipe is very similar to my favourite algerian shortbread called ghraybia. I also like to make these using 2 cups of self rising flour (omitting the baking powder) & to use a mix of 3 tbsp ghee plus margarine to make 2 cups (when doing this i omit the vanilla as i like to taste the sweetness of the ghee).

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Steps

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Preheat the oven to 160c.

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In a medium sized mixing bowl , cream 1 / 2 a cup of the icing sugar , the butter & the vanilla.

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Sift the flour and the baking powder , slowly add to the creamed butter.

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Mix well with a wooden spoon.

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One thoroughly combined , roll a teaspoonful of the dough at a time into balls.

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Place the balls on a baking tray lined with parchment or baking paper.

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Bake for 15-20 minutes , they should be cooked through - firm - but remain pale in colour.

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Dust the shortbread straight from the oven with some of the remaining icing sugar.

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Allow to cool , then just before serving dust again with the rest of the icing sugar.

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Ingredients

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unsalted butter, flour, icing sugar, vanilla, baking powder