Butter Cookies
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp. kosher salt
- 1 c. unsalted butter
room temperature, 2 sticks
- 2/3 c. granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
plus 1 large egg yolk for brushing
- 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
or almond extract, optional
Directions
- 1
Preheat oven to 375° and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
- 2
In a medium bowl using a hand mixer, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy, 4 to 5 minutes. Add egg and almond or vanilla extract if using and beat until combined. Gradually add the flour mixture and beat until just combined. Divide dough in half.
- 3
In a small bowl, beat egg yolk with two teaspoons water. On a floured surface, roll each dough out evenly to 1/4" thick. Punch out rounds with a 2" cookie cutter, placing them about 1" apart on prepared baking sheets. Use the tines of a fork to create a crosshatch pattern on the cookies, then brush tops of cookies with egg wash.
- 4
Bake 10 to 12 minutes, until edges are beginning to turn golden. Cool completely before serving.
Butter Cookies
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About this Recipe
Craving that perfect, melt-in-your-mouth classic butter cookie? These simple, elegant cookies are your answer for any celebration, from festive holidays to a cozy coffee break, delivering pure, comforting flavor with every bite.
The beauty of these butter cookies lies in their straightforward approach, relying on quality kitchen staples. Using room temperature unsalted butter is key for achieving that signature tender crumb, ensuring all ingredients cream together smoothly for a superior texture that stands out from typical store-bought varieties.
You can expect a delicate, crisp texture that truly melts in your mouth, carrying the rich, comforting essence of butter. With a subtle hint of pure vanilla or almond, these cookies offer a sweet, nostalgic taste that feels both classic and special. While the recipe keeps things simple, the result is a sophisticated treat, making them an ideal companion for your favorite hot beverage.
Customization & Serving
For a delightful twist, you can easily swap the pure vanilla extract for almond extract, as the recipe suggests, to introduce a different aromatic note. These classic butter cookies are also a perfect canvas for simple adornments; consider a light sprinkle of granulated sugar before baking for a sparkling finish.
These elegant butter cookies are perfectly suited for a holiday cookie platter, a birthday celebration, or simply as an everyday indulgence alongside a warm cup of coffee or tea.