Delicious Butter Cookies Recipe

Ingredients

To prepare these buttery cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup of softened butter: The butter should be at room temperature for easier mixing.
• 1 cup of granulated sugar: The sugar gives the cookies a sweet flavor and soft texture.
• 1 egg: The egg helps bind the dough together and adds softness.
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract: Adds a delicious flavor and enhances the buttery taste.
• 2 and a half cups of flour: The flour forms the base for these cookies and should be sifted for a smooth result.
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt: Salt helps balance the flavors.
• 1 teaspoon of baking powder: This helps give the cookies the right lift.

Method

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, add the softened butter and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer or a hand whisk, cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step usually takes around 3 to 5 minutes, depending on the strength of your mixer.
2. Add the Egg and Vanilla: Once the butter and sugar are well combined, add the egg and vanilla extract. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated, resulting in a smooth mixture.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

1. Mix the Flour, Salt, and Baking Powder: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, salt, and baking powder. This helps ensure that the ingredients are evenly distributed and the final texture of the cookies is perfect.
2. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture. Mix until the dough starts to come together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough instead of tender.

Step 3: Chill the Dough

1. Chill for Better Texture: Wrap the cookie dough in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container, then let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps it firm up and makes it easier to handle, plus it enhances the flavor of the cookies.

Step 4: Shape and Bake

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Shape the Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie to allow for spreading during baking.
3. Flatten Slightly: Use the bottom of a glass or a fork to gently press down on each dough ball, flattening them slightly. If desired, you can also create a decorative pattern with the fork.
4. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The center should remain soft, as the cookies will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven.

Step 5: Cool and Enjoy

1. Cool the Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling them on the rack ensures they retain their crisp edges and soft centers.
2. Serve: Once completely cooled, serve the butter cookies with your favorite hot beverage. They also make great gifts when packaged in a nice tin or wrapped with ribbon.

Tips for Perfect Delicious Butter Cookies Recipe

• Use Quality Butter: Since butter is the star ingredient, using high-quality butter will significantly enhance the flavor of your cookies.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Once the flour is added, mix just until incorporated to keep the cookies tender.
• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough is crucial for preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I add other flavors to the butter cookies?

Absolutely! Butter cookies are versatile, and you can add various flavors to suit your preferences. You could mix in lemon zest, almond extract, or even dip the finished cookies in melted chocolate for an extra special treat.

2. How do I store butter cookies?

To keep your butter cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh for up to a week. If you want to store them longer, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months.

3. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, you can use salted butter if you prefer. However, if you do, you might want to reduce the additional salt in the recipe to balance the flavors.

4. Why did my cookies spread too much in the oven?

If your cookies spread too much, it could be because the butter was too soft or the dough wasn’t chilled enough. Make sure to chill the dough thoroughly before baking, and avoid placing the dough on a warm baking sheet.

5. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Definitely! You can prepare the dough up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, simply let it soften slightly at room temperature before shaping and baking.

Variations to Try

1. Chocolate Chip Butter Cookies: Add 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips to the dough before chilling for a delightful chocolate twist.
2. Almond Butter Cookies: Mix in 1/4 cup of finely chopped almonds for a nutty flavor and crunchy texture.
3. Jam-Filled Butter Cookies: After flattening the dough balls, use your thumb to create an indent in the center of each cookie, then fill it with your favorite jam before baking.