Imagine biting into a cookie so delicate, so buttery, that it practically dissolves on your tongue with pure bliss! These Simple Butter Cookies are the secret weapon in every home baker's arsenal - a classic treat that transforms just five basic ingredients into a heavenly dessert that will have everyone begging for your recipe. Whether you're a novice baker or a seasoned pro, these cookies promise to be your new go-to comfort treat that's ridiculously easy to make and impossible to resist.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes. The mixture should become pale and smooth with a creamy consistency.
- Add the vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture and mix until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt to ensure even distribution of the salt.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, which can make the cookies tough.
- Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Optional: Use a fork to create a crisscross pattern on top of each cookie, or use a cookie stamp for decorative designs.
- Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, store the butter cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Tips
- Use room temperature butter for the smoothest, creamiest mixture. Cold butter won't cream properly and can lead to dense cookies.
- Don't overmix the dough after adding flour - this can develop gluten and make your cookies tough instead of tender.
- For uniform cookies, use a cookie scoop or weigh each portion to ensure consistent baking.
- Watch your cookies carefully in the last few minutes of baking. The edges should be just lightly golden - not dark brown.
- Allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack to help them set and develop their signature crisp texture.
- For extra flavor variations, try adding lemon zest, almond extract, or rolling the cookies in powdered sugar before baking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 110kcal
Carbohydrates: 11g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 20mg
