Butter Cookies
Indulge in the rich, buttery goodness of homemade butter cookies that are sure to please everyone. These delightful treats are simple to make and perfect for sharing with family and friends. With a few basic ingredients and a bit of love, you can create cookies that are crisp on the outside and soft on the inside. Let’s dive into the recipe and enjoy the sweet aroma wafting through your kitchen as they bake!
Ingredients
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– Optional: chocolate chips or nuts
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe yields approximately 24 cookies. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, and baking time is 10-12 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Per serving (1 cookie): Approximately 100 calories, 6g fat, 10g carbohydrates, 1g protein. This is based on one cookie size.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until combined.
6. If desired, fold in chocolate chips or nuts.
7. Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. Flatten each cookie slightly with the back of a fork.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
10. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute unsalted butter with margarine for a dairy-free version. For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
Serving and Pairings
These butter cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee. They are also great for decorating during holidays or special occasions, making them a versatile treat.
Storage and Reheating
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They can also be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or enjoy them at room temperature.
Cooking Mistakes
- Using cold butter instead of softened can affect the texture.
- Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies.
- Not measuring flour accurately can result in dry cookies.
- Baking at the wrong temperature can cause uneven baking.
- Skipping the chilling step may yield spread-out cookies.
Helpful Tips
- For extra flavor, consider adding almond extract.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes for better shaping.
- Experiment with different cookie cutters for fun shapes.
- Roll the dough in sprinkles before baking for a festive touch.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but reduce the additional salt in the recipe to avoid overly salty cookies.
How can I make these cookies more flavorful?
Adding citrus zest or spices like cinnamon can enhance the flavor of butter cookies.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze the dough for up to three months. Just thaw before baking.
What can I add to the dough?
You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit to customize your cookies.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
The cookies are done when the edges are lightly golden; they will continue to firm up as they cool.
Conclusion
Butter cookies are a timeless treat that brings joy to any gathering. With their simple ingredients and delightful flavor, they are perfect for both novice and experienced bakers. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!
Butter Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Optional: chocolate chips or nuts
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until combined.
- If desired, fold in chocolate chips or nuts.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Flatten each cookie slightly with the back of a fork.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
