Make these classic butter cookies for a rich, buttery flavor and a tender texture that truly melts in your mouth. This simple recipe delivers homemade cookie perfection perfect for teatime or gifting.
Author:mayathompson
Prep Time:20 min
Cook Time:12 min
Total Time:92 min
Yield:3 dozen cookies 1x
Category:Dessert
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg yolk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Beat in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until just combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.
Shape the dough into a log, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Remove the dough from the refrigerator. You can either roll the dough out and cut shapes or press the dough into a cookie press fitted with your desired tip for classic swirls.
Place the cookies about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. For a crisp edge, bake closer to 12 minutes.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For the best melt-in-your-mouth texture, ensure your butter is properly softened but not melted.
If you prefer a more pronounced vanilla flavor, use 1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.
These cookies are excellent dipped halfway in melted chocolate for an added treat.
Chill the dough thoroughly; this prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.