Description
These soft butter cookies are irresistibly tender and bursting with rich buttery flavor. Perfect for any occasion, they are easy to make and guaranteed to satisfy your sweet cravings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (confectioners' sugar)
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1 large egg yolk (optional)
- 1–2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients and Oven: Take your unsalted butter out of the refrigerator at least an hour before you plan to bake, allowing it to soften to room temperature. Preheat your oven to a moderate temperature, usually around 350°F (175°C). Line several baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened unsalted butter on medium speed until creamy, about 1-2 minutes. Gradually add the powdered sugar to the butter. Beat on medium-high speed for 3-5 minutes until the mixture is very light, fluffy, and pale in color.
- Add Vanilla and Egg Yolk (if using): Beat in the vanilla extract until just combined. If you’re using an egg yolk, add it now and beat until fully incorporated, about 30 seconds. If the dough seems a little stiff, add a tablespoon of heavy cream or milk and mix until just combined.
- Incorporate the Flour and Salt: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the sifted all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
- Chill the Dough (Optional but Recommended): Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator for easier handling and to prevent excessive spreading.
- Shape the Cookies: If you're piping, fit a piping bag with your desired nozzle and fill it with the chilled dough. Pipe various shapes onto the prepared baking sheets. If you're rolling and cutting, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4-inch thickness and cut out shapes.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven. Bake for 10-14 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of your cookies. Do NOT overbake!
- Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for about 5 minutes. Carefully transfer the cooled cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 14 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
Keywords: Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for the best texture. Avoid overbaking to maintain the cookies' softness. Consider adding an egg yolk for extra richness.