Butter cookies are a classic treat that everyone loves. They are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday, a special event, or just a treat for yourself. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can make delicious butter cookies that will melt in your mouth with every bite.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make 4 servings of butter cookies:
- 225g unsalted butter, softened
- 150g granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 300g all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, and mix until just combined.
- Roll the dough into 1 inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Use a fork to flatten the balls slightly and create a criss-cross pattern on top of each cookie.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serve and enjoy!
Variations
If you’d like to switch things up and add a twist to your butter cookies, here are some variations you can try:
Chocolate Chip Butter Cookies
Add 1 cup of semisweet chocolate chips to the dough for a delicious chocolatey twist on classic butter cookies.
Lemon Butter Cookies
Add 2 tbsp of fresh lemon juice and 1 tbsp of lemon zest to the dough for a zesty and refreshing lemon flavor.
Peanut Butter Butter Cookies
Add 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter to the dough for a rich and nutty flavor.
Vegan Butter Cookies
If you’re looking for a vegan version of these delicious cookies, you can replace the butter with vegan butter and the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water). The rest of the recipe can remain the same.
With these variations, you can create a variety of butter cookies to suit your taste preferences. Whether you prefer classic butter cookies or want to add a twist, this recipe is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
FAQ
How many cookies does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 36 cookies, depending on the size of the cookie cutters used.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
It is recommended to use unsalted butter in this recipe, as the salt content in salted butter can vary between brands and affect the overall taste of the cookies.
Can I substitute the all-purpose flour with almond flour?
Almond flour has a different texture and composition than all-purpose flour, which may affect the texture and taste of the cookies. It is not recommended to substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour in this recipe.
How long should I chill the dough before baking?
It is recommended to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking to allow the dough to firm up and prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough for up to 3 months. Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Can I add chocolate chips to the dough?
Yes, you can add chocolate chips to the dough for a chocolate twist on the classic butter cookie. Fold in 1/2 to 1 cup of chocolate chips into the dough before chilling.
Can I substitute vanilla extract with almond extract?
Yes, you can substitute vanilla extract with almond extract for a nutty flavor. However, almond extract is stronger than vanilla extract, so use it sparingly.
How long should I bake the cookies for?
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The cookies will continue to cook and firm up as they cool.
How should I store the cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Can I decorate the cookies with icing?
Yes, you can decorate the cookies with icing for a festive touch. Mix 1 cup of powdered sugar with 1-2 tablespoons of milk and food coloring (if desired) to make a simple icing. Drizzle or spread the icing onto the cooled cookies and allow to set before serving.
