Butter cookies, a timeless delight, captivate with their rich, buttery flavor and delicate texture. As you prepare these classic treats, your kitchen will transform into a haven filled with the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked cookies.
The process begins by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and ensuring your baking sheet is ready with a layer of parchment paper. The magic starts by creaming together a cup of softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This crucial step lays the foundation for the cookies’ tender texture.
Incorporating eggs, one at a time, ensures a smooth and cohesive mixture, followed by the addition of fragrant vanilla extract, which elevates the aroma and taste profile. The dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt—are whisked together and gradually folded into the buttery mixture, creating a dough that’s both easy to handle and deliciously pliable.
Once the dough is rolled out to a quarter-inch thickness on a floured surface, it’s time for creativity. Cookie cutters transform the dough into an array of delightful shapes, each placed lovingly onto the prepared baking sheet. The cookies bake to perfection in just 10-12 minutes, filling the air with their mouth-watering scent as the edges turn a delicate golden brown.
Allowing them to cool on the baking sheet briefly before transferring them to a wire rack ensures they achieve the perfect texture—crispy edges with a melt-in-your-mouth center.
Butter cookies stand out not only for their irresistible taste but also for their versatility. They’re perfect for any occasion, from festive celebrations to simple tea-time treats. Their relatively simple ingredient list and preparation make them a beloved choice for bakers of all skill levels. Whether enjoyed plain or decorated with icing and sprinkles, butter cookies are a testament to the beauty of simplicity in baking.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 tsps vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in 2 large eggs, one at a time, ensuring they are fully incorporated before adding the next.
4. Mix in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
7. Divide the dough into manageable portions and roll them out to about 1/4 inch thickness on a lightly floured surface.
8. Use cookie cutters to shape the dough into your desired forms and place them onto the prepared baking sheet.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges begin to turn golden.
10. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.