Butter Cookies: A Classic Delight

Butter cookies are a timeless treat, perfect for any occasion. Their rich, buttery flavor and delicate texture make them a favorite among both children and adults. This simple recipe requires just a few basic ingredients and offers endless opportunities for customization. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a special event, or just a cozy afternoon at home, these butter cookies are sure to please.

Ingredients

1 cup butter (softened)
1 cup white sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

Step 2: Make the Dough

Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and white sugar together until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed.
Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, beating on low speed until a soft dough forms.

Step 3: Shape the Cookies

Roll the Dough: Scoop the dough into tablespoon-sized balls and roll them between your palms to form smooth, even balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
Flatten the Cookies: Use the bottom of a glass or a fork to gently flatten each ball of dough. If desired, you can create a crisscross pattern with the fork tines.

Step 4: Bake

Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Be careful not to overbake; you want the cookies to remain soft and buttery.
Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Cook’s Notes and Variations

Customizations:

Chocolate-Dipped: After the cookies have cooled, dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate and let it set on parchment paper.
Sprinkles: Add sprinkles or colored sugar to the tops of the cookies before baking for a festive touch.
Citrus Zest: Incorporate a teaspoon of lemon, orange, or lime zest into the dough for a citrusy twist.

Tips for Perfect Butter Cookies:

Room Temperature Butter: Ensure the butter is at room temperature before starting. This helps to achieve the right texture.
Chill the Dough: If the dough is too soft to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before shaping.
Uniform Size: For evenly baked cookies, try to make each dough ball the same size.

Keto and Low-Carb Version

For those following a keto or low-carb diet, you can make some simple substitutions:

Butter: Use the same amount of butter.
Sweetener: Replace the white sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol or stevia.
Flour: Substitute the all-purpose flour with almond flour or a low-carb flour blend.
Flavorings: Vanilla extract remains the same.

Keto Butter Cookies Recipe

Ingredients: 1 cup butter, 1 cup erythritol, 1 large egg, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 2 1/2 cups almond flour, 1/4 teaspoon salt.
Instructions: Follow the same steps as the original recipe, but be mindful of the baking time as keto cookies might bake faster.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, you can freeze the dough. Shape the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

How do I store butter cookies?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to three months.

Can I use salted butter?

Yes, you can use salted butter. Simply reduce the added salt in the recipe to balance the flavors.

Butter cookies are a versatile and delightful treat that can be enjoyed year-round. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich flavor, they are sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or explore the keto version, these cookies will bring joy to any occasion. Happy baking!