Petit Beurre Cookies

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Preheat oven to 325 degrees. In a mixer fitted with a paddle, combine the two flours, confectioners' sugar and 6 ½ ounces butter. Mix on medium-low until a dough forms. Transfer to a baking sheet and roll out ⅛-inch thick. Shape of dough does not matter; smooth edges for even browning. Bake until barely golden brown at edges, 25 to 35 minutes; be careful not to overbake. Remove from oven and cool completely.

2. Step 2

   Using your fingers, crumble dough into fine crumbs and place in bowl of mixer fitted with a paddle. Add remaining 3 ½ ounces butter and mix at medium speed. Mixture will gather into small pieces, and after a few minutes will change to a dough, pulling away from sides of bowl. Continue to mix until mixture becomes fluffy and creamy like whipped butter; this may take an additional 5 minutes.

3. Step 3

   Line a baking sheet with plastic wrap. Using a rubber spatula, transfer dough to sheet and spread in a thick oval. Cover with plastic wrap, and use a rolling pin to roll mixture to about ⅓-inch thick. Chill until firm, about 1 hour.

4. Step 4

   Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a 3-inch cookie cutter, cut circles from chilled dough. Transfer to baking sheet, spacing cookies at least 2 inches apart. (Scraps of dough may be re-rolled and chilled for additional cookies.) Bake until edges are golden brown, 7 to 10 minutes. Remove from oven and cool on baking sheet. Transfer baking sheet to refrigerator; allow cookies to become well chilled.

5. Step 5

   Fifteen minutes before serving, use a thin, flexible spatula to remove cookies from sheet. Chilled cookies may be placed atop a circle of raspberries or other berries. If desired, garnish plate with a scoop of ice cream.