Recipe: Michelle Obama's Shortbread Cookies (using Amaretto and orange or lemon zest)

MICHELLE OBAMA'S SHORTBREAD COOKIES

1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups plus 2 tablespoons sugar, divided use
2 egg yolks
2 tablespoons Amaretto (almond liqueur)
1 teaspoon each orange zest and lemon zest
3 cups cake flour (not self-rising)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 beaten egg white
Chopped nuts or dried fruit (for topping, optional)

Heat oven to 325 degrees F. Line a 17- by 12- by 1-inch baking pan with nonstick foil.

In large bowl, cream together butter and 1 1/2 cups of the sugar. Slowly add egg yolks, and beat well until smooth. Beat in Amaretto and zest. Stir in flour and salt until combined.

Spread dough evenly into prepared pan, flattening as smoothly as possible. Brush top of dough with egg white; sprinkle with nuts or fruit (if using) and with remaining 2 tablespoons sugar.

Bake at 325 degrees F for 25 minutes or until brown, turn off oven and allow cookies to sit in oven (with door ajar) for 15 minutes. Cut while slightly warm.

Makes 6 dozen (2-inch by 3-inch) cookies
From: Mama Kaye, the godmother of the Obama daughters
Source: Family Circle magazine