Butter Cookies Recipe
Indulging in homemade cookies is one of life’s simple pleasures, and this Butter Cookies Recipe is my absolute favorite! Soft, buttery, and perfectly sweet, these cookies come together with just a handful of ingredients. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, these delightful treats are sure to impress. Let’s dive into why this recipe has earned a permanent spot in my baking repertoire.
Why It’s My Go-To
What makes this Butter Cookies Recipe stand out is its versatility and ease. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a batch of cookies that are not only delicious but also adaptable to suit any occasion. The rich flavor of butter shines through, and the texture is light and crumbly, making them perfect for pairing with a cup of tea or coffee. Plus, they can be decorated or customized in countless ways, making them ideal for holidays or special events.
Ingredient Notes
- Unsalted Butter (1 cup / 226g): The star of the show! Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- Granulated Sugar (2/3 cup / 134g): Adds the necessary sweetness and contributes to the cookie’s texture.
- Large Egg Yolk (1): Helps bind the ingredients together and enriches the flavor.
- Baking Powder (1 teaspoon): Provides a slight lift, giving the cookies a light texture.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the flavors, balancing the sweetness of the sugar.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses the cookies with a warm, aromatic flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour (2 cups / 248g): The foundation of the cookies, providing structure.
- Sanding Sugar (for rolling, optional): Adds a sparkling finish and a bit of texture to the cookies.
Gear Checklist
- Mixing Bowl: For combining your ingredients.
- Electric Mixer or Whisk: To cream the butter and sugar together.
- Baking Sheet: A flat surface for baking your cookies.
- Parchment Paper: To line your baking sheet for easy cleanup.
- Cookie Scoop or Spoon: For portioning out the cookie dough.
- Cooling Rack: To cool the cookies after baking.
How to Prepare Butter Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer or a whisk, beat the two together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial for incorporating air into the dough for a tender cookie.
Step 2: Add the Egg Yolk and Vanilla
Add in the large egg yolk and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar. Mix until well combined, ensuring that the yolk is fully incorporated into the mixture.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for about 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps the flavors meld and prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
Step 5: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Once the dough has chilled, use a cookie scoop or a spoon to portion out the dough. Roll each piece into a ball and then roll it in sanding sugar if desired. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Step 7: Bake
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked, but they will continue to firm up as they cool.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Enjoy your freshly baked butter cookies with a cup of your favorite beverage!
Make It Year-Round
- Decorate for the Holidays: Use royal icing or colored sugar to dress up your cookies for festive occasions.
- Add Flavor Variations: Experiment with different extracts like almond or lemon for a twist on the classic flavor.
- Incorporate Mix-Ins: Add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits to the dough for added texture and flavor.
- Gift Them: Package your cookies in decorative tins or boxes for thoughtful gifts during special seasons.
Don’t Do This
- Don’t skip the chilling step: This is essential for the dough’s consistency and the final cookie texture.
- Avoid using cold butter: It won’t cream properly, resulting in dense cookies.
- Don’t overmix the dough: This can lead to tough cookies instead of the desired tender bite.
- Don’t forget to measure accurately: Baking is a science, and precise measurements are key to success.
Leftovers & Meal Prep
These butter cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to prepare them ahead of time, you can freeze the cookie dough. Simply shape the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, take them out and bake straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Handy Q&A
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to avoid overly salty cookies. Typically, omit the added salt entirely if using salted butter.
How do I know when my cookies are done baking?
The cookies are done when the edges are lightly golden, and the centers still look slightly soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.
Can I substitute whole eggs for egg yolks?
While you can use a whole egg, it will change the texture slightly, making the cookies more cake-like rather than tender and crumbly. For best results, stick with just the yolk.
What can I use instead of sanding sugar?
If you don’t have sanding sugar, you can use granulated sugar or even colored sugar for decoration. Just keep in mind that granulated sugar won’t give the same sparkle.
Weekend Projects
- Sally’s Baking Addiction: Explore more cookie recipes and delightful desserts.
- Pinch of Yum: Discover recipes that elevate your everyday baking.
- Minimalist Baker: Find simple and delicious recipes that require minimal ingredients.
Time to Try It
This Butter Cookies Recipe is not just a treat; it’s an experience. The process of baking these cookies fills your kitchen with the warm, inviting scent of butter and vanilla, making it a perfect activity for a cozy afternoon. Whether you’re sharing them with friends and family or enjoying them solo with a good book, these cookies are bound to bring joy to your day. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let’s bake some delicious memories!
Butter Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the large egg yolk and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture, mixing until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix this into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes, covered with plastic wrap.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Shape the chilled dough into balls and roll them in sanding sugar if desired. Place on the baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look underbaked but will firm up as they cool.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
Notes
- Chill the dough to ensure the best texture.
- Use room temperature butter for easy mixing.
- Decorate with icing or colored sugar for special occasions.
