Butter Cookies Recipe
Butter cookies are classic, simple, and delicious treats with a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture. They’re perfect for any occasion, whether you enjoy them with a cup of tea, as a holiday cookie, or as an everyday snack.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional, but adds a nice flavor)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 egg yolk (optional, for extra richness)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Cream the butter and sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the vanilla extract and almond extract (if using), and beat until well combined.
- Add dry ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. The dough will be soft and slightly sticky.
- Shape the cookies:
- If the dough is too soft to handle, chill it in the fridge for 20-30 minutes to firm up.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, or use a cookie press for decorative shapes (such as stars, hearts, or simple rounds).
- If making round cookies, slightly flatten the dough balls with a fork or your fingers to give them a traditional butter cookie look.
- Optionally, you can lightly sprinkle sugar on top of each cookie before baking for a little extra sweetness and sparkle.
- Bake the cookies:
- Place the shaped cookies onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1-2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden. The cookies should be firm but still tender.
- Cool and serve:
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips:
- For decorative butter cookies: You can roll the dough out on a floured surface and use cookie cutters to create festive shapes. For extra decoration, dip the edges of the cookies in melted chocolate or sprinkle with colorful sugar before baking.
- Storage: Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. You can also freeze the dough for up to 2 months to bake cookies whenever you want fresh ones.
These buttery, delicate cookies are sure to become a favorite! Whether you make them for a special event or just to enjoy with your family, they’re simple yet irresistible.