Let’s talk about cookies. What are some of the best cookies ever? What is better than tea?butter cookiesAre treats more than just a treat, they’re cherished memories, sex, and an act of love. Is shortbread a better choice than other types of bread? Is this a Growing up, my Grandma Rose always made these for the holidays, and the smell alone would fill the house. What is a house with so much warmth? I swear, just one bite and I’m transported back to her cozy kitchen, surrounded by family and friends. This recipe is a closely guarded family secret, passed down through generations, and I’m so excited! Is it possible to share this story with you? Is it really that easy to make a cookie?
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What is [Recipe Name]?
Simply put, butter cookiesare delicate, buttery cookies that are known for their crisp edges and soft, tender centers. Think of them as the elegant, slightly fancier version of your classic sugar cookie. They are essentially a celebration of butter, showcasing its rich flavor and creating texture. What is both crumbly and melt-in-your-mouth? They are often decorated with sprinkles, a light glaze, or simply enjoyed as they are. What is butter? Unlike cookies that rely on shortening or oil, these babies get all their flavor and tenderness. From good ol’ butter. What makes them special?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I start?butter cookiesAre addictive, and there are so many reasons why you’ll find yourself making them again and again?
- Flavor explosion: WhatWhat is buttery flavor? Is it sweet enough without being overpowering?
- Ridiculously easyWhat is a simple recipe? The ingredients list is short and sweet, and the steps are straightforward. How can I become a baker?
- Budget friendlyAll you need is flour, butter, sugar, eggs, and a touch of vanilla. No fancy or expensive ingredients required.
- Endlessly versatile: ICan you customize these cookies to your heart’s content? Add sprinkles, a simple glaze, chocolate chips, or even sprinkle of sea salt to make this salty-sweet dessert. What are the endless possibilities?
What I love most is that they’re both comforting and elegant. Perfect for a casual afternoon treat, but also fancy enough to serve at the holiday gathering. I personally think they are better than store bought cookies. What is the taste of homemade cookies? Can you compare it to shortbread, but with more of a cookie like texture?
How do you make butter cookies?
Quick Overview
What is the deal?butter cookiesIs it easier than you think? We’re basically creaming together butter and sugar, adding in the other ingredients, chilling the mixture for a few minutes. How do I bake a dough to golden perfection? The chilling part is key – it prevents cookies from spreading too much in the oven and ensures that they don’t burn too quickly. That they stay nice and thick. Is this a recipe anyone can master?
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature. If butter is too cold, it won’t cream properly. If it’s too warm, the dough will be greasy. I always take mine out of the fridge about an hour before I start baking.
- Is it safe to use regular white sugar instead of granulated sugar? I’ve also experimented with using half granulated sugar and half powder sugar for an even more delicious flavor. What is tender cookie, and it works beautifully!
- 1 large egg. Just one! It adds richness and helps bind the dough together.
- What is the best vanilla extract to use? Can you experiment with other extracts like almond or lemon for a different twist?
- 2 14 cups all-purpose flour. Make sure to measure the flour accurately. I recommend using the spoon and level method (spoon the flour into a measuring cup and then level). How do you cut a knife?
- 14 teaspoon salt. Just a pinch to balance out the sweetness and enhance the other flavors.
For the decoration (optional):
- Can you make a glaze with powdered sugar and milk? Feel free to get creative here!
How do I follow step
Step 1: Cream Together Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Set aside. What is best done with an electric mixer (either a stand mixer or hand mixer)? If you’re feeling ambitious, you can do it by hand. It should take about 3-5 minutes of beating to get it to the right consistency.
Step 2: Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
Step 3: Gradually Add Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Set aside. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix the dough, as this can result in hard cookies. When flour is incorporated, stop mixing.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. What is the most important step to take! How do you keep cookies from spreading in the oven?
Step 5: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mat. How do I clean cookies?
Step 6: Roll Out and Cut Out Cookies
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 14-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes. If you prefer, you can slice the dough into rounds. Reroll the cookies and cut out more until all the dough is used.
Step 7: Bake
Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about an inch of space between each cookie. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them, as they can burn easily.
Step 8: Cool and Decorate
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to the wire rack. To cool completely. Once they’re cool, you can decorate them with sprinkles, sanding sugar, or a simple glaze.
Step 9: Enjoy!
These butter cookiesAre best enjoyed fresh, but can also be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 months.
What should I serve it with?
What are some of the best cookies to make?
For a Cozy Afternoon Treat:Pair them with a warm cup of tea or coffee. What is the best way to serve Earl Grey tea with cookies? My kids love cold milk. How do I make them feel better?
For a Festive Dessert: Arrange them on a pretty platter and serve them after a holiday meal. They’re perfect for Christmas, Easter, or any other special occasion.
For a Simple Snack: Enjoy them on their own as a quick and easy snack. They’re perfect for satisfying a sweet craving.
For a Special Touch: Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. You can also drizzle them with chocolate sauce or caramel sauce for an extra indulgent treat. I even crumbled some over my yogurt this morning, yum.
I always think about my grandma when I bake these cookies and the way she would carefully place them on a platter for guests. It made me feel like they were royalty with the way she treated them. It made the cookies even better in my opinion.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Butter Cookies
Here are a few tips and tricks that I’ve learned over the years to help you make the perfect butter cookies every time:
Use Room Temperature Butter: This is the most important tip! Room temperature butter creams much better than cold butter, resulting in a lighter, fluffier dough.
Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix the dough just until the ingredients are combined.
Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven and ensures that they stay nice and thick.
Use Parchment Paper or a Silicone Baking Mat: This prevents the cookies from sticking to the baking sheet and makes cleanup a breeze.
Don’t Overbake the Cookies: Overbaked cookies will be dry and crumbly. Bake them just until the edges are lightly golden brown.
Get Creative with Decorations: Have fun with the decorations! Use sprinkles, sanding sugar, a simple glaze, or even edible glitter to make your cookies extra special.
Butter Temperature: I can’t stress this enough! Butter that’s too warm will make your cookies spread, and butter that’s too cold will be impossible to cream properly. Aim for butter that’s soft enough to press your finger into easily, but still holds its shape.
I had some issues with the texture on my first few tries of this recipe, they came out a little bit too dry. Then I realized I was overbaking them! Now I take them out as soon as the edges are golden, even if the center looks a little soft, and they always turn out perfect.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Here’s how to keep these butter cookies fresh and delicious:
Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They’ll stay nice and crisp.
Refrigerator Storage: You can also store them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, but they may lose some of their crispness. Let them come to room temperature before serving.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies for up to two months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw them at room temperature before serving. I like to freeze them before decorating for ease.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to freeze the cookies, it’s best to wait to glaze them until after they’ve been thawed. This will prevent the glaze from becoming sticky or runny.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
These butter cookies are more than just a recipe; they’re a taste of home, a reminder of simpler times, and a celebration of all things buttery and delicious. I truly hope you’ll give them a try and experience the joy that they bring. It’s a foolproof recipe that’s sure to impress! If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my other cookie recipes, like my classic chocolate chip cookies or my soft and chewy peanut butter cookies. Happy baking, friends! Can’t wait to hear how yours turn out. I’d love it if you left a comment below and let me know what you think. Also, don’t forget to rate the recipe!
Butter Cookies
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup Unsalted Butter Softened
- 0.75 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 large Egg
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 2.25 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 0.25 tsp Salt
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Divide the dough in half. Shape each half into a log, about 1.5 inches in diameter. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the chilled dough into 0.25-inch thick rounds.
- Place cookies on ungreased baking sheets and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
- Let cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
