re: butter cookie recipe

Try making 'em in the food processor. Overmixing is what causes a heavy texture. If you like sandy/crumbly texture rather than sturdy, sift a couple teaspoons cornstarch with your flour before mixing w/the butter/sugar. Also, mix & chill for 30 minutes before shaping/scooping and baking. This gives time for any gluten formed in mixing to relax, leading to a more tender texture.