World's Best Butter Cookies
Ingredients
- 8 ozunsalted butter
- ¾ cgranulated sugar
- ¼ tspsalt
- 1 ½ tsppure vanilla extract
- 1 largeegg yolk
- 2 call-purpose flour
Directions
- 1
Beat the butter, sugar, salt and vanilla together until smooth and creamy.
- 2
Mix in the egg yolk until well incorporated, scraping down the sides of the bowl at least once.
- 3
Add the flour and mix just until incorporated.
- 4
Scrape onto a lightly floured board and knead a few times, just until the dough smooths out.
- 5
Turn onto a sheet of plastic wrap and roll into a log, wrap up and refrigerate for several hours or freeze.
- 6
Before baking, preheat the oven to 325°F.
- 7
Line your baking sheets with parchment.
- 8
Slice the dough into slices about 1/8" thick and place them on the sheets about an inch apart (they won't be spreading very much, but they need air room around each cookie).
- 9
Bake until JUST beginning to turn golden around the edges, about 16-18 minutes.
- 10
Note: you can do many things with these cookies.
- 11
You could roll the dough out and cut shapes.
- 12
You could slice them even thinner and sandwich them with chocolate or jam or lemon curd.
- 13
You could make them and then dip them half into chocolate.
- 14
You could just make them and eat them, which is my favorite.
- 15
Whatever you do, they will be delicious.
World's Best Butter Cookies
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About this Recipe
Searching for that elusive, perfect butter cookie—one that's buttery, crumbly, and never too sweet? Look no further. This recipe, aptly named the World's Best Butter Cookie, delivers an unparalleled experience that brings bakery-quality treats right into your home.
This isn't just another cookie recipe; it's the culmination of extensive testing. Eight different butter cookie recipes were evaluated to find the ideal balance of rich flavor and delightful texture. This particular formulation stands out, embodying the signature crumbly quality of shortbread without excessive sweetness, a testament to the expert touch of Chef Alice Medrich.
Prepare your palate for a truly exceptional classic. You'll savor the deep, pure butter flavor, perfectly complemented by just the right amount of sweetness. The texture is a standout characteristic: a tender, crumbly bite that melts in your mouth, offering that satisfying snap akin to the finest shortbread. Each delicate cookie is designed to deliver a moment of pure bliss, showcasing the elegance of simple, high-quality ingredients.
While these butter cookies are perfect in their unadorned state, they also welcome simple enhancements. For a subtle aromatic twist, you might consider gently folding in some citrus zest, like lemon or orange, into the dough. A light dusting of confectioners' sugar after they've cooled can add a touch of elegance, or for a delightful contrast, a tiny sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before baking beautifully accentuates their rich, buttery notes.
These versatile butter cookies are ideal for any occasion. Whether you're assembling a holiday platter, preparing an afternoon tea, or simply craving a sweet companion to your coffee, their classic appeal is always a welcome treat for friends and family.