Description
Butter Cookies: A classic, buttery, and tender cookie recipe perfect for every occasion. These golden, melt-in-your-mouth cookies are easy to make with simple ingredients and can be customized with flavors or dipped in chocolate for a festive touch.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using a mixer or a whisk until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. This step incorporates air for a tender cookie.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until fully combined, creating a smooth and homogenous batter.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the wet mixture, mixing gently until a smooth dough forms without overmixing which could toughen the cookies.
- Chill Dough if Needed: If the dough feels too soft to handle, refrigerate it for 15 to 20 minutes. This firms up the dough, making it easier to shape and prevents spreading during baking.
- Shape Cookies: Using a piping bag fitted with a star tip or a cookie press, pipe or press the dough into desired shapes onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them comfortably apart.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden, signaling the cookies are perfectly baked.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For a festive touch, dip half of each cooled cookie in melted chocolate and add sprinkles for decoration.
- Enhance flavor by adding almond extract or lemon zest to the dough.
- The dough can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 3 days before baking.
