Crumbly Melt Buttery

Butter cookies are a classic treat that everyone loves. These deliciously buttery and crumbly cookies are perfect for tea time or as a sweet snack. Today, I will share with you the best butter cookies recipe that will leave your taste buds craving for more!

Butter Cookies Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add in the vanilla extract and mix well.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix until just combined.
5. Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
6. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
8. Using cookie cutters of your choice, cut out shapes from the dough and place them onto the prepared baking sheet.
9. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden.
10. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Prepare:

Preparing these butter cookies is quick and easy. Start by creaming together softened butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it helps to incorporate air into the dough, resulting in a tender and melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Next, add in the vanilla extract for a delightful aroma and flavor. Be sure to use pure vanilla extract for the best results. It adds a subtle sweetness that perfectly complements the buttery taste of the cookies.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the dry ingredients and ensures that your cookies have a uniform texture. Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter and sugar mixture, mixing until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so be careful not to overdo it.

After combining the dough, shape it into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour. Chilling the dough not only helps to prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking but also allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more flavorful cookie.

Preparation Time:

The preparation time for these butter cookies is minimal. It takes approximately 15 minutes to prepare the dough and shape the cookies. After that, you will need to refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour, so plan accordingly based on when you want to enjoy your freshly baked cookies.

Once the dough has chilled, it’s time to roll it out and cut it into your desired shapes. Depending on the size and intricacy of the cookie cutters you use, this step can take anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes.

Baking the cookies will take around 10-12 minutes, depending on your oven and the size of the cookies. Keep an eye on them and look for lightly golden edges as a sign that they are perfectly baked.

Servings:

This butter cookies recipe makes approximately 24 cookies, depending on the size of the cookie cutters you use. If you prefer smaller cookies, you can get more servings out of the dough.

Nutrition Facts:

Unfortunately, I don’t have the specific nutritional information for these cookies, but as with most desserts, they should be enjoyed in moderation. However, one thing is for sure - they are absolutely delicious!

Tips:

Here are a few tips to help you achieve the best results with this butter cookies recipe:

• Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. It should be pliable but still hold its shape.
• Use good quality vanilla extract for the best flavor.
• Refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour to prevent excessive spreading while baking.
• Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking.
• Don’t overmix the dough once the dry ingredients are added. Mix until just combined.

FAQs:

Q: Can I freeze the cookie dough?

A: Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough. Simply shape it into a ball, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you are ready to bake, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then proceed with rolling, cutting, and baking as usual.

Q: How long do these butter cookies stay fresh?

A: These cookies can stay fresh for up to 1 week when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. If you prefer a softer texture, you can place a slice of bread in the container to help retain moisture.

Q: Can I add flavorings or decorations to these cookies?

A: Absolutely! You can add different flavorings such as citrus zest, almond extract, or even spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to customize the taste. Additionally, you can decorate the cookies with colored sugar, icing, or sprinkles before baking or after they have cooled.

Now that you have the best butter cookies recipe, it’s time to get baking! These cookies are perfect for any occasion or simply as a delightful treat for yourself. Enjoy their buttery goodness and share them with your loved ones!