Basic Butter Cookies: The Perfect Recipe for Any Occasion

Butter cookies are a timeless treat that combines simplicity with a delightful flavor that’s hard to resist. With their buttery richness and subtly sweet taste, these cookies melt in your mouth, leaving you longing for just one more. The warm aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through your kitchen is a nostalgic experience, reminiscent of cozy family gatherings and joyful celebrations. Perfect for tea time, holiday gift-giving, or simply as a sweet snack, these Basic Butter Cookies are easy to whip up and sure to impress. Whether enjoyed alone or decorated with icing and colorful sprinkles, they are a delightful addition to any cookie platter.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature): Provides a rich, creamy base for the cookies. Ensure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
• ¾ cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract: Brings a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
• 1 large egg yolk (room temperature): Adds richness and helps bind the dough together.
• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: Forms the structure of the cookies. Use a spoon to measure for accuracy to avoid dense cookies.
• 2 tablespoons turbinado sugar: This provides a crunchy texture and a hint of caramel flavor on the cookie’s surface.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the room temperature butter and granulated sugar together until creamy and well combined. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
2. Mix in the salt and pure vanilla extract, then add the egg yolk, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is incorporated.
3. Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the mixture and mix until just incorporated. Be careful not to over-mix as this may make the cookies tough.
4. Divide the dough into two halves and shape each half into a disk. Wrap each disk in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours until the dough is firm.
5. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
6. Roll out one piece of dough between two sheets of parchment paper to about 1/8 inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and refrigerate any trimmings.
7. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, sprinkle with turbinado sugar, and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
8. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 2 hours (including refrigeration)
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 10-12 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 24 cookies
• Calories: Approximately 90 calories per cookie

Tips, Storage & Variations

• Tips: Ensure your butter is at room temperature for the best mixing results. Take care not to overwork the dough to maintain a tender texture.
• Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the unbaked dough wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to three months.
• Flavor Variations: Consider adding a teaspoon of almond extract for an additional layer of flavor, or fold in mini chocolate chips for a chocolatey touch.

FAQ

1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Using salted butter may alter the flavor balance. It is best to use unsalted butter for this recipe.

2. How should I store leftover cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week for optimal freshness.

3. Can I freeze the cookies?
Yes, you can freeze the baked cookies in an airtight container or freeze unbaked dough for up to three months.

4. What can I use if I do not have egg yolk?
You can substitute one tablespoon of unsweetened applesauce as a binding agent if needed.

5. How do I get my cookies to be chewy?
Do not over-bake the cookies; pulling them out of the oven when they’re slightly underdone helps achieve a chewy texture.

6. Can I substitute other flours?
You can use cake flour for a more tender cookie or whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor, though the texture may vary slightly.

People Also Ask

What makes a butter cookie different from other cookies?
Butter cookies are primarily made with butter instead of oils or shortening, giving them a rich flavor and crumbly texture.

How do you know when butter cookies are done baking?
They are done when the edges are lightly golden; they will continue to firm up while cooling on the baking sheet.

What is the best way to decorate butter cookies?
You can use royal icing, fondant, or simply sprinkle them with colored sugar before baking for a festive touch.

Can I add nuts to this butter cookie recipe?
Yes, you can fold in chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, to add another layer of flavor and texture.

How can I make my cookies taste more vanilla-flavored?
Increase the vanilla extract to 2 tablespoons for a more pronounced vanilla flavor.

Are butter cookies naturally gluten-free?
No, this recipe contains all-purpose flour, which is not gluten-free. Substituting with a gluten-free blend may work.

Conclusion

These Basic Butter Cookies are an absolute delight and an easy way to elevate your baking game. With their tender texture and rich flavor, they are perfect for any occasion. We hope you enjoy making and sharing these delicious treats as much as we do. Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to let your loved ones know how much you enjoyed them. Happy baking!