Classic Butter Cookies

These classic butter cookies are soft, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious! Perfect for tea time, holiday gifting, or a sweet treat anytime, they are easy to make with simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.

Preparation Time

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

  • Butter: 180 grams (¾ cup), softened
  • Corn starch: 40 grams (¼ cup)
  • Powdered sugar: 90 grams (¾ cup)
  • Egg: 1 large
  • Salt: A pinch
  • Vanilla sugar: 1 teaspoon (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract)
  • All-purpose flour: 250 grams (2 cups, approximately)
  • Baking powder: 1 teaspoon

Directions

  • Preheat the Oven:
    Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Cream Butter and Sugar:
    1. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy.
  • Add Egg and Flavors:
    1. Beat in the egg, a pinch of salt, and vanilla sugar (or extract) until fully combined.
  • Combine Dry Ingredients:
    1. Sift the flour, corn starch, and baking powder into a separate bowl.
    2. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a soft, pliable dough forms.
  • Shape the Cookies:
    1. Roll the dough into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
    2. Flatten each ball slightly with a fork, creating a pattern on top.
  • Bake:
    1. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies turn a light golden color.
    2. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving Suggestions

  • Enjoy with a cup of tea, coffee, or hot chocolate.
  • Dust with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
  • Pair with fruit jams or melted chocolate for dipping.

Cooking Tips

  • Ensure the butter is softened, not melted, for the best texture.
  • Do not overbake; the cookies should remain soft and light in color.
  • Chill the dough for 15-20 minutes if it feels too sticky to handle.

Nutritional Benefits

  • Butter provides essential fats for energy.
  • These cookies are perfect for occasional indulgence in a balanced diet.

Dietary Information

  • Vegetarian: Yes
  • Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Nutritional Facts (Per Cookie, assuming 24 cookies)

  • Calories: 90
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Fat: 5 g
  • Fiber: 0.2 g

Storage Tips

  • Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
  • Freezing: Freeze baked cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to make with pantry staples.
  • Buttery, soft, and perfectly sweet.
  • Great for gifting, entertaining, or enjoying with loved ones.
  • Adaptable to different flavors with add-ins like chocolate chips or zest.

Conclusion
These classic butter cookies are a timeless treat that will satisfy any sweet tooth. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and simple preparation, they’re sure to become a favorite in your home. Bake a batch today and enjoy the delightful aroma of fresh cookies wafting through your kitchen!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
    Yes, but the flavor and texture will be slightly different.
  2. How do I make them gluten-free?
    Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
  3. Can I freeze the dough?
    Yes, roll the dough into balls and freeze on a baking sheet. Store in a freezer-safe bag and bake directly from frozen.
  4. Can I add chocolate chips or nuts?
    Absolutely! Fold in about ½ cup of your favorite add-ins.
  5. Why are my cookies too hard?
    Overbaking can cause the cookies to become hard. Remove them when they’re just lightly golden.
  6. Can I make these cookies egg-free?
    Substitute the egg with 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2 tablespoons of water.
  7. What’s the best way to soften butter quickly?
    Cut the butter into small cubes and let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes.
  8. Can I use granulated sugar instead of powdered sugar?
    Powdered sugar gives a finer texture. If substituting, the cookies may have a slightly grainier texture.
  9. Can I double the recipe?
    Yes, simply double the ingredients, but mix the dough in batches to ensure even blending.
  10. How do I know when they’re done?
    The edges should be slightly golden, and the tops will remain pale.

Enjoy these delightful butter cookies with family and friends! 😊