World’s Best Butter Cookies

Butter cookies hold a special place in the world of baking. Their simple yet indulgent flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture make them a go-to treat for holidays, tea parties, or whenever you crave something sweet. This recipe for classic butter cookies is crafted for perfection, ensuring you achieve the perfect buttery crunch with every bite. Let’s dive into the step-by-step process to create these irresistible cookies.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Perfection
To ensure your butter cookies come out beautifully, gather the following high-quality ingredients:

• 8 oz Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter lets you control the salt level, ensuring pure buttery goodness.
• 3/4 Cup Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and aids in achieving a crisp cookie texture.
• 1/4 tsp Salt: Enhances the flavor of the cookies.
• 1 1/2 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract: A rich vanilla flavor is key to these classic cookies.
• 1 Large Egg Yolk: Adds richness and helps bind the dough.
• 2 Cups All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and stability to the cookies.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Butter Cookies

1. Creaming the Butter and Sugar
Start by creaming the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, salt, and vanilla extract together in a large mixing bowl. Use a hand or stand mixer to beat the mixture on medium speed until it’s smooth and creamy. This step is crucial for creating the cookie’s light and fluffy texture.

2. Incorporating the Egg Yolk
Add the egg yolk to the mixture and beat until it is fully incorporated. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula to ensure even mixing. The egg yolk enriches the dough and contributes to the cookies’ tender crumb.

3. Adding the Flour for the Dough Base
Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the butter mixture. Mix on low speed just until the flour is fully incorporated. Overmixing at this stage can lead to dense cookies, so stop mixing as soon as the dough comes together.

4. Shaping and Preparing the Dough
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead it gently a few times until it becomes smooth and pliable. Shape the dough into a uniform log, approximately 2 inches in diameter. Wrap the log tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for several hours. If you’re short on time, the dough can be frozen for later use. Chilling the dough ensures the cookies retain their shape during baking.

5. Prepping for Baking
When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even browning. Using a sharp knife, slice the chilled dough into 1/8-inch thick rounds. Arrange the slices on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about an inch apart to allow for spreading.

6. Baking to Golden Perfection
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 16–18 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn a light golden brown. Keep a close eye on them during the final minutes to avoid overbaking. Once done, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Pro Tips for Better Butter Cookies

• For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or a few drops of almond extract to the dough.
• Always use room-temperature butter for easier mixing and a smoother dough.
• To achieve perfectly uniform slices, rotate the dough log a quarter turn after each cut to maintain its round shape.

FAQs About Butter Cookies

• Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted? Yes, but reduce the added salt to avoid overly salty cookies.
• Can the dough be frozen? Absolutely! The dough can be frozen for up to 3 months. Slice and bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes to the baking time.
• How should I store these cookies? Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Variations and Substitutions

• Add mini chocolate chips or finely chopped nuts to the dough for a fun twist.
• For festive cookies, sprinkle colored sugar or add a light glaze after baking.

Quick and Easy Butter Cookie Recipe

Ingredients

• 8 oz unsalted butter
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 large egg yolk
• 2 cups all-purpose flour

Instructions

1. Cream together butter, sugar, salt, and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. Add the egg yolk and mix until well combined. Scrape the sides of the bowl as needed.
3. Gradually mix in the flour until the dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth, shape into a log, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for several hours or freeze for later.
5. Preheat the oven to 325°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
6. Slice the dough into 1/8-inch rounds, place them on the baking sheets, and bake for 16–18 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
7. Allow the cookies to cool completely before serving.