Butter Cookies

Ingredients

• • 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup (90 g) powdered sugar

• • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

• Optional: Sprinkles, coarse sugar, or colored sugar for decoration

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugar

• • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and powdered sugar using an electric mixer or a stand mixer. Beat on medium speed for about 3-5 minutes, or until the mixture is light and fluffy.

• Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.

3. Add the Dry Ingredients

• • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until the dough comes together. You may need to use your hands to finish incorporating the dough if the mixer struggles to combine it fully.

4. Shape the Cookies

• • Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and roll them into balls. If you want to make a classic shape, you can gently flatten each ball into a round disc.
  • Optionally, you can dip the top of each cookie in coarse sugar or colored sprinkles for added texture and decoration.
  • Arrange the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1-2 inches of space between each cookie.

5. Bake the Cookies

• Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may still look slightly soft, but they will firm up as they cool.
• Keep a close eye on them toward the end of baking to ensure they don’t overbake and become too crisp.

6. Cool and Serve

• • Allow the butter cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

• Once cooled, the cookies are ready to enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

1. 1. Serve with a hot cup of tea or coffee for an afternoon treat.
   2. Enjoy as a simple dessert or snack at any time of the day.

1. Pack them in gift boxes for a homemade gift during the holidays or special occasions.
2. Use them as a base for sandwich cookies filled with jam, frosting, or chocolate ganache.

Cooking Tips

• • For the best texture, make sure the butter is softened but not melted. This helps the dough come together easily and results in a lighter cookie.

• If you’d like to add some extra flavor, try adding a teaspoon of almond extract or lemon zest to the dough.
• You can also chill the dough for 15-20 minutes before baking to prevent the cookies from spreading too much.

Nutritional Benefits

• • Butter cookies are a treat to enjoy in moderation, offering a good source of energy thanks to the healthy fats from butter. They’re rich in flavor and texture, making them satisfying with just a few bites.

• Butter is also a source of fat-soluble vitamins such as Vitamin A, D, and E, though it’s important to keep in mind that they are a calorie-dense treat.