If you’re looking for an irresistible, melt-in-your-mouth treat, this butter cookie recipe is the perfect solution! With its classic buttery flavor and delicate, crumbly texture, these cookies are both easy to make and hard to resist. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or simply craving a quick homemade treat, these butter cookies deliver the ideal balance of sweetness and rich flavor.
Ingredients:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
Directions:
Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup and even baking.
Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, beat 1 cup of softened butter with 3/4 cup granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, typically about 2-3 minutes.
Add Egg and Vanilla:
Add in one large egg and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined, which helps distribute the vanilla flavor throughout the dough.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Mix on low speed to prevent overmixing, which could lead to a tougher cookie texture.
Shape the Cookies:
Use a piping bag with a star tip for a professional look, or simply roll the dough into small balls. For a classic style, press each ball lightly with a fork.
Bake:
Place the cookies about 2 inches apart on the baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden color.
Cool and Serve:
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack. Enjoy the cookies as they are, or store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Serving Tips:
Serve with Tea or Coffee: Butter cookies are the perfect companion for a warm cup of tea or coffee, enhancing the rich, buttery flavor.
Holiday Platters: For festive occasions, arrange the cookies on a decorative platter. Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate for a holiday touch.
Gift-Worthy Presentation: Place cookies in a tin or glass jar lined with parchment paper, or wrap them in cellophane bags tied with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift.
Layered Dessert: Crumble butter cookies over ice cream or yogurt for a quick and delicious dessert.
Storage Tips:
Room Temperature: Store butter cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week. For the best results, place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing: Butter cookies freeze well for up to 3 months. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
Cookie Dough Storage: You can also freeze the unbaked dough. Shape the dough into balls or piping shapes, freeze on a baking sheet, and transfer to a container once frozen. When ready to bake, thaw the dough in the fridge for a few hours or overnight, then bake as usual.
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FAQs:
Can I make butter cookies without a piping bag?
Yes! If you don’t have a piping bag, you can roll the dough into small balls and press them lightly with a fork for a classic crosshatch pattern. You could also use a cookie press if you have one for shaped designs.
Can I add other flavors to the cookies?
Absolutely! You can add 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract, lemon zest, or even a dash of cinnamon for a unique twist. Just be cautious with additional extracts, as they can quickly overpower the buttery flavor.
How do I keep the cookies soft?
To maintain softness, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature with a slice of bread or an apple slice. This will help retain moisture, keeping the cookies soft longer.
Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. Let it soften slightly at room temperature before shaping and baking.
Conclusion:
Butter cookies are a timeless classic, perfect for any occasion. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create cookies that are as beautiful as they are delicious. Whether for a gift, a dessert tray, or simply a personal treat, these cookies will bring joy with every bite.
📖 Recipe:
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Butter Cookies
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
Description
These classic butter cookies are rich, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. With just a few simple ingredients, they’re easy to make and perfect for any occasion—from holiday gatherings to a cozy afternoon snack. Ideal for gifting, these cookies have a timeless flavor everyone loves.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing on low speed until just incorporated. Avoid overmixing.
- Shape the Cookies: Transfer the dough to a piping bag with a star tip, or roll into small balls and press lightly with a fork for a classic look.
- Bake: Place cookies about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Optional Flavor Variations: For a different twist, you can add 1/2 teaspoon almond extract or lemon zest to the dough.
Decorating Ideas: These cookies are great with a light dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of chocolate, or colorful sprinkles for festive occasions.
Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24 cookies
- Calories: 90 kcal per cookie
