How to Make Perfect Butter Cookies

Butter cookies, also known as butter biscuits or simply "buttery treats," have been a favorite for many generations due to their simplicity and deliciousness. Whether you're looking for the perfect treat for a tea party or just want something sweet and comforting after dinner, these cookies are sure to satisfy your craving. In this article, we will provide you with an easy-to-follow recipe that guarantees flaky, buttery, and delicious results.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (100g) unsalted butter at room temperature
• 3/4 cup (90g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups (185g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• A pinch of salt

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a cookie sheet with a bit of butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. This is optional but makes cleanup much easier.

In a large bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until well combined. It's important to ensure that you get this step right as it will influence the texture of your cookies once they've cooled down.

Add the egg one at a time while mixing thoroughly after each addition. Then add in the vanilla extract for extra flavor.

Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt into another bowl. Gradually mix this dry mixture into the creamed butter mixture until fully incorporated but not overworked.

Once combined, chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or up to overnight. Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape while baking and prevents them from spreading too much.

After chilling, preheat your oven again if necessary and roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface until it is about 1/4 inch thick. Use cookie cutters of various shapes and sizes to create unique designs.

If you prefer a traditional round shape, you can simply use the back of a spoon or a piping bag with star tips for more elaborate decorations after baking if desired. Arrange the cookies on the prepared sheet about 1/2 inch apart as they will spread slightly during baking.

Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown around the edges, approximately 8-10 minutes depending on your preferred level of doneness. Keep an eye on them towards the end to prevent overbrowning which can happen quickly with buttery cookies. Let the cookies cool completely before decorating or eating.

Number of Servings & Cooking Time

This recipe yields approximately 48 large cookies, perfect for a party or family gathering! The total time required to prepare and bake these treats is about one hour if you include chilling time which is recommended. Once chilled, the dough can be prepared quickly within minutes before baking.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg when mixing in the dry ingredients.
• If you prefer chewier cookies rather than crisp ones, consider adding 1/4 cup more flour to slightly increase the dough's thickness.
• To create richer tasting cookies, melt half of the butter and mix it with cream cheese before adding other ingredients. You can even add lemon zest or orange peel for a citrusy touch if you like.

Conclusion

Butter cookies are not just about taste; they offer versatility in terms of presentation too. Whether paired with tea, served as dessert, or enjoyed as an afternoon snack, these versatile treats always seem to please everyone. With this simple recipe, you can enjoy homemade butter cookies that are equally delicious and impressive.