Description
Classic buttery cookies with a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture and a rich vanilla flavor. These easy-to-make butter cookies are perfect for tea time, holidays, or any occasion that calls for a simple, satisfying treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes and is essential for a tender cookie texture.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture by mixing until everything is well combined and smooth.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt into the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed or fold gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough which can result in tough cookies.
- Shape the Cookies: Transfer the dough into a piping bag fitted with a star tip to pipe classic swirled cookies, or alternatively, roll the dough into small balls and press them lightly with a fork for a traditional design.
- Bake: Arrange the cookies on the prepared baking sheets ensuring they are spaced about 2 inches apart to allow spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes so they firm up; then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving to maintain crispness.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter for easier creaming and better cookie texture.
- Avoid overmixing the dough once flour is added to keep the cookies tender.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- For a richer flavor, you can substitute half the all-purpose flour with almond flour.
- Decorate cookies with colored sugar or sprinkles before baking for a festive touch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
