Chocolate Dipped Shortbread Cookies

Sunday, I was in need of a Valentine's cookie. But, I didn't want to do the typical sugar cookie. I wanted something a little crisper, that would stand up to a chocolate coating (or half of a chocolate coating). I was pretty sure I needed shortbread. So, the inevitable internet search ensued. A simple cookie should be pretty straight forward--but still I perused many a recipe trying to figure out what I wanted out of my shortbread. In the end--I trusted the cookie to Martha Stewart. Here's her version with just a couple of minor adjustments. The cookies were crisp, rich, buttery, not too sweet with a hint of saltiness that I love in a cookie, and were the perfect place to slather a little bit of chocolate.

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 6 ounces semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
• 1/2 tablespoon pure vegetable shortening

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter, sugar, and vanilla until combined. On slow speed, beat in flour and salt until combined. Form dough into a large disk shape, wrap in plastic wrap; chill until firm, at least 2 hours, or overnight. Before rolling, allow dough to soften at room temp, about 30 minutes.

On a generously floured surface, roll out the dough until 1/8 inch thick. Cut out hearts with a 2-inch heart cookie cutter. Transfer cookies to a parchment lined cookie sheet; chill for 30 minutes.

Heat oven to 300 degrees with a rack in the center. Bake until just beginning to brown around the edges, about 15-18 minutes. Allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.

In the top of a double boiler or in a heat-proof bowl set over simmering water, melt the chocolate, stirring occasionally. Stir in the shortening. Dip half of each cookie into the chocolate mixture. Transfer cookies to sheet of parchment to dry, or place them on a piece of parchment paper in the freezer for 10 minutes. Once chocolate is hardened, serve, and enjoy!