In a large bowl, beat butter and confectioners’ sugar with mixer at medium speed until creamy, 2 to 3 minutes, stopping occasionally to scrape sides of bowl. Beat in vanilla. Gradually add flour, beating until combined.
Turn out dough onto a lightly floured surface, and divide dough in half. Shape each portion into a 2¼-inch-diameter log. Wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 350°. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
Place sanding sugars in separate shallow plates; roll logs in sugar to fully coat. Cut logs into ½-inch-thick slices, and place on prepared pans.
Bake until lightly browned, 10 to 12 minutes. Let cool on pans for 10 minutes. Remove from pans, and let cool completely on a wire rack. Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Notes
These dough logs can be frozen for up to 1 month. Let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator before continuing with step 3.
Recipe by Paula Deen Magazine at https://pauladeenmagazine.com/easy-colorful-shortbread-cookies-recipe/