Description
These Best Butter Cookies are a classic, buttery treat that combines a rich, tender texture with a hint of vanilla and almond. Perfectly simple and easy to make, they are ideal for holiday celebrations, gifting, or just satisfying your sweet tooth with a nostalgic cookie that melts in your mouth.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Decoration (Optional)
- Coarse sugar or sprinkles for decorating
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready once the dough is prepared.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter with the powdered sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which will give your cookies a tender crumb.
- Add Flavorings: Add the vanilla extract and almond extract (if using) to the creamed butter and sugar, mixing thoroughly until well combined.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt into the mixture, stirring just until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop or roll the dough into 1-inch balls and arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving enough space between each.
- Flatten and Decorate: Gently flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass or press a fork onto the tops in a decorative pattern. Sprinkle with coarse sugar or sprinkles if desired for added texture and sweetness.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden to achieve the perfect balance of crispness and softness.
- Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the pan for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- For shaped or piped cookies, chill the dough for 15–20 minutes to make it easier to handle before using a cookie press or piping bag.
- For a festive twist, dip the cookies in melted chocolate after baking once they have cooled.
