Butter cookies are a timeless treat that brings a sense of nostalgia and warmth to any gathering. With their rich, buttery flavor and delicate, crumbly texture, these cookies have been a beloved staple in households around the world for generations. Originating in Europe, particularly in countries like Denmark and France, butter cookies have a rich history that reflects the culinary traditions of their regions. They are often associated with festive occasions, making them a popular choice during holidays and celebrations.
People adore butter cookies not only for their delightful taste but also for their versatility. Whether enjoyed plain, adorned with sprinkles, or filled with jam, these cookies can be customized to suit any palate. Their simplicity and ease of preparation make them a favorite among both novice and experienced bakers alike. So, if you’re looking to indulge in a classic treat that is sure to please, look no further than this irresistible butter cookie recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (50g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (90g) chocolate chips or chopped nuts (optional)
- Granulated sugar for sprinkling (optional)
Preparing the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, add the softened unsalted butter. Using an electric mixer or a wooden spoon, cream the butter on medium speed until it becomes light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Gradually add the granulated sugar and powdered sugar to the creamed butter. Continue mixing until the sugars are fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth, about 2 more minutes.
- Pour in the vanilla extract and almond extract (if using). Mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the salt and prevents clumping.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, about 1/2 cup at a time, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
- If you are adding chocolate chips or nuts, fold them into the dough using a spatula or wooden spoon until evenly distributed.
- Once the dough is fully combined, it should be soft but not sticky. If the dough feels too soft, you can refrigerate it for about 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
Shaping the Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, portion out the dough and roll it into balls about 1 inch in diameter. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
- If desired, gently flatten each dough ball with the bottom of a glass or your palm to create a thicker cookie. This will help them bake evenly.
- For an extra touch, sprinkle a little granulated sugar on top of each cookie before baking. This will give them a nice sparkle and added sweetness.
Baking the Cookies
- Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked, but they will continue to cook as they cool.
- Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. This allows them to set before transferring them to a wire rack.
- After 5 minutes, use a spatula to carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. This will help them maintain their crisp texture.
Storing the Cookies
- Once the cookies are completely cooled, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to one week.
- If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing the cookies. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- To thaw frozen cookies, simply leave them at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
Variations and Tips
- For a lemon twist, add the zest of one lemon to the dough along with the extracts.
- Experiment with different extracts, such as coconut or peppermint, to create unique flavors.
- For a more festive touch, consider adding colored sprinkles or holiday-themed decorations on top of the cookies before baking.
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (50g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (90g) chocolate chips or chopped nuts (optional)
- Granulated sugar for sprinkling (optional)
- In a large mixing bowl, add the softened unsalted butter. Using an electric mixer or a wooden spoon, cream the butter on medium speed until it becomes light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Gradually add the granulated sugar and powdered sugar to the creamed butter. Continue mixing until the sugars are fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth, about 2 more minutes.
- Pour in the vanilla extract and almond extract (if using). Mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the salt and prevents clumping.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, about 1/2 cup at a time, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
- If you are adding chocolate chips or nuts, fold them into the dough using a spatula or wooden spoon until evenly distributed.
- Once the dough is fully combined, it should be soft but not sticky. If the dough feels too soft, you can refrigerate it for about 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, portion out the dough and roll it into balls about 1 inch in diameter. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
- If desired, gently flatten each dough ball with the bottom of a glass or your palm to create a thicker cookie. This will help them bake evenly.
- For an extra touch, sprinkle a little granulated sugar on top of each cookie before baking. This will give them a nice sparkle and added sweetness.
- Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked, but they will continue to cook as they cool.
- Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. This allows them to set before transferring them to a wire rack.
- After 5 minutes, use a spatula to carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. This will help them maintain their crisp texture.
- Once the cookies are completely cooled, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to one week.
- If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing the cookies. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- To thaw frozen cookies, simply leave them at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
- For a lemon twist, add the zest of one lemon to the dough along with the extracts.
- Experiment with different extracts, such as coconut or peppermint, to create unique flavors.
- For a more festive touch, consider adding colored sprinkles or holiday-themed decorations on top of the cookies before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
Conclusion:
In summary, this butter cookies recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to indulge in a delightful treat that perfectly balances sweetness and buttery richness. The simplicity of the ingredients allows the flavor of the butter to shine through, making each bite a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Whether you enjoy them plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or adorned with chocolate drizzles, these cookies are versatile enough to suit any occasion. For a fun twist, consider adding in some chopped nuts, dried fruits, or even a hint of citrus zest to elevate the flavor profile. You can also experiment with different extracts, such as almond or vanilla, to create your own signature version of these classic butter cookies. We encourage you to try this recipe and share your experience with friends and family. Whether you bake them for a special occasion or simply to enjoy with a cup of tea, these butter cookies are sure to impress. Dont forget to let us know how they turned out and any variations you tried! Happy baking! Print
Butter Cookies: The Ultimate Guide to Perfectly Soft and Delicious Treats
Description
These soft and buttery cookies are perfect for any occasion, featuring a hint of vanilla and optional almond extract. Customize them with chocolate chips or nuts for added texture. Easy to make and delightful to enjoy, they are sure to become a favorite treat!
Ingredients
Scale