Shortbread Bites

Shortbread Bites 

1 cup butter, diced into 1 tbsp pieces 

2/3 cup sugar 

1/2 tsp almond extract 

2 1/4 cups flour 

2 1/2 tbsp nonpareils sprinkles, red , green & white 

Butter a 9 X 9 glass dish and line with parchment paper.  Butter parchment paper and top with another piece of parchment paper vertically ensuring at least 1" over hang on all sides.  

In a medium size bowl cream together butter and sugar until well combined. Add almond extract. Slowly add flour and continue mixing until it all comes together. Add sprinkles and mix together. 

Press dough in an even layer in prepared pan. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees 

Lift dough from pan onto a cutting board using parchment paper overhang on all sides. Trim all 4 sides to ensure even edges. Cut 1/2" rows and then rotate pan and cut 1/2" rows. 

Transfer pieces to a parchment paper lined  cookie sheet. Bake 10 - 12 minutes until bottom starts to brown slightly. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly, then remove to a cooling rack until cooled and place in an air tight container.