Butter Cookies Recipe
Butter cookies are a timeless classic, cherished for their simplicity and rich flavor. These cookies, with their delicate texture and buttery taste, are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe will guide you to make the most delicious butter cookies with ease. The key ingredients that make these cookies stand out are high-quality unsalted butter, pure vanilla extract, and just the right amount of sugar to create a perfectly balanced treat.
Ingredients Overview
The main ingredients in this butter cookie recipe play crucial roles in achieving the desired texture and flavor. Unsalted butter is essential for its pure, creamy taste that forms the base of the cookies. Sugar adds sweetness and helps in creating the right structure when creamed with butter. Egg yolks contribute to the richness and bind the dough together, while vanilla extract imparts a delightful aroma and flavor. Flour provides the structure, and a pinch of salt enhances the overall taste. Using high-quality ingredients, such as pure vanilla extract and fresh, unsalted butter, ensures the best results in your cookies.
Step-by-Step Preparation Guide
To begin, cream the butter, sugar, and salt together in a stand mixer equipped with a paddle attachment. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the mixture, making the cookies light and fluffy. Gradually add the egg yolks while the mixer is running, ensuring to scrape down the sides of the bowl to blend everything evenly. Pour in the vanilla extract and continue mixing until well combined.
Next, slowly incorporate the flour into the mixture. It’s important to blend it just until everything is well combined to avoid overworking the dough. Shape the dough into a log, wrap it tightly in parchment paper or plastic wrap, and chill it in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This chilling step is essential as it firms up the dough, making it easier to slice and helping the cookies maintain their shape during baking. To prevent the dough from flattening on one side, you can place it inside an empty cardboard paper towel roll during refrigeration.
Once the dough is fully chilled, sprinkle sanding sugar onto a clean surface. Unwrap the dough and gently roll it in the sugar until evenly coated. Using a sharp knife, slice the dough into even rounds. Arrange the slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges just begin to turn golden brown. This careful baking ensures that the cookies are cooked through without becoming overly browned or dry.
Recipe Tips
- Ensure your butter is at room temperature before starting to achieve the best creaming results.
- Mix the dough just until the flour is incorporated to avoid tough cookies.
- Chill the dough thoroughly to maintain the shape of the cookies during baking.
- For a unique twist, add citrus zest or spices to the dough.
- Store the dough in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.
What to Serve With This Recipe
Butter cookies are perfect on their own but pair wonderfully with a warm cup of tea or coffee. They can also be part of a dessert platter, accompanied by other treats such as chocolate-dipped strawberries or mini pastries. Their subtle sweetness and rich flavor make them a versatile addition to any gathering.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I substitute gluten-free flour? Yes, a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute can be used, though the texture may slightly vary.
- How do I adjust for high-altitude baking? Reduce the baking powder by 1/8 teaspoon and increase the oven temperature by 15-25°F.
- Why are my cookies overly flat? Ensure the dough is well-chilled and avoid overmixing the butter and sugar.
- How can I prevent uneven browning? Use an oven thermometer to ensure even baking temperature and rotate the baking sheet halfway through.
Storage and Shelf Life
Proper storage is key to maintaining the freshness of your butter cookies. Once baked, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the dough or the baked cookies. To freeze the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. For baked cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container.
Creative Presentation Ideas
Present these butter cookies in beautiful packaging for special occasions. Consider using decorative tins, cellophane bags with festive ribbons, or custom cookie boxes. Decorating the cookies with different types of sugar or icing can add a personal touch. For a holiday treat, try using colored sanding sugars or edible glitter. These thoughtful presentation ideas make your homemade butter cookies an elegant gift or a charming addition to any event.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (227g)
- 1/2 cup sugar (100g)
- 2 egg yolks
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (5mL)
- 2 cups flour (240g)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (3g)
- 1/3 cup sanding sugar
Instructions
In a stand mixer equipped with a paddle attachment, cream together the butter, sugar, and salt until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Gradually add the egg yolks while the mixer is running, making sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
Pour in the vanilla extract and continue to mix. Slowly incorporate the flour into the mixture, blending until everything is well combined.
Shape the dough into a log, wrap it tightly in parchment paper or plastic wrap, and chill it in the refrigerator for a minimum of one hour. To prevent the dough from flattening on one side, you can place it inside an empty cardboard paper towel roll during refrigeration.
Once the dough is fully chilled, sprinkle sanding sugar onto a clean surface. Unwrap the dough and gently roll it in the sugar until evenly coated. Using a sharp knife, slice the dough into even rounds.
Arrange the slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges just begin to turn golden brown.
Butter Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter 227g
- 1/2 cup sugar 100g
- 2 egg yolks
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 5mL
- 2 cups flour 240g
- 1/2 teaspoon salt 3g
- 1/3 cup sanding sugar
Instructions
- In a stand mixer equipped with a paddle attachment, cream together the butter, sugar, and salt until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Gradually add the egg yolks while the mixer is running, making sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
- Pour in the vanilla extract and continue to mix. Slowly incorporate the flour into the mixture, blending until everything is well combined.
- Shape the dough into a log, wrap it tightly in parchment paper or plastic wrap, and chill it in the refrigerator for a minimum of one hour. To prevent the dough from flattening on one side, you can place it inside an empty cardboard paper towel roll during refrigeration.
- Once the dough is fully chilled, sprinkle sanding sugar onto a clean surface. Unwrap the dough and gently roll it in the sugar until evenly coated. Using a sharp knife, slice the dough into even rounds.
- Arrange the slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges just begin to turn golden brown.
Notes
- Measure flour accurately; use a scale if possible. If not, fluff with a spoon, fill the cup lightly, and level with a knife.
- Sanding sugar adds crunch but is optional; you can use regular sugar as a substitute.
- For crisper cookies, leave the baking sheet in the oven with the door slightly open after baking.
- This dough can be used for cut-out cookies; chill, roll out, and cut before baking.
- Use high-quality vanilla for the best flavor, as it’s a key ingredient.