Easy Butter Cookies: A Simple Recipe for Delicious Treats
Are you craving a delightful, melt-in-your-mouth cookie that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This easy butter cookie recipe delivers buttery, delicate cookies perfect for any occasion. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this recipe is your shortcut to cookie perfection. Let's get started!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe requires minimal ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your pantry. That's what makes it so easy!
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: Softened butter is key for a smooth, creamy dough. Don't melt it!
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and structure.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and add richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor. Feel free to experiment with other extracts like almond or lemon!
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of our cookies.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Follow these simple steps for perfectly baked butter cookies:
1. Cream Together Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Use an electric mixer for best results, but a good old-fashioned hand mixer works too! This step incorporates air into the dough, leading to lighter, fluffier cookies.
2. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
3. Incorporate Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the flour and salt to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; slightly lumpy dough is okay. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
4. Chill the Dough:
Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step is crucial! It firms up the butter, preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
5. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
6. Shape and Bake:
Roll the dough into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter). Place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie. For a more decorative touch, you can use a fork to create a criss-cross pattern on top of each cookie.
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
7. Cool and Enjoy:
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, enjoy your delicious, homemade butter cookies!
Tips for Success:
- Don't overbake! Slightly underbaked cookies will be softer and chewier.
- Experiment with flavors: Add different extracts, sprinkles, or chocolate chips to customize your cookies.
- Store properly: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
This easy butter cookie recipe is a fantastic starting point for your baking adventures. With its simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you'll be enjoying these delightful treats in no time! Happy baking!
