Vanilla Butter Cookies

by
Vanilla Butter Cookies
Pin2
Share
Tweet

This post may contain affiliate links learn more

 

 

These Vanilla Butter Cookies are rich, buttery, and perfectly sweet. With a melt-in-your-mouth texture, these cookies are simple to make and ideal for tea time or gifting. The dough is easy to prepare and can be shaped into beautiful patterns, adding a touch of elegance to this classic treat.


Advertisement

Preparation Time

  • Total Time: 40 minutes (including baking time)
  • Active Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

  • Butter: 200 g, softened (for cookie dough)
  • Sugar: 60 g
  • Flour: 280 g, sifted
  • Salt: a pinch
  • Vanilla Sugar: 10 g
  • Cornstarch: 65 g, sifted

Instructions

Make the Dough

  1. Cream Butter:
    • In a mixing bowl, add 200 g of softened butter. Stir until smooth.
  2. Add Sugar:
    • Mix in 60 g of sugar and continue stirring until fully combined.
  3. Add Vanilla and Salt:
    • Add a pinch of salt and 10 g of vanilla sugar. Mix thoroughly with a hand mixer.
  4. Incorporate Cornstarch:
    • Gradually add 65 g of sifted cornstarch in batches, mixing well after each addition until the dough is smooth.
  5. Add Flour:
    • Sift in 190 g of flour in batches, mixing with a hand mixer until a soft dough forms.

Prepare the Cookies

  1. Portion Dough:
    • Knead the dough briefly, then divide it into portions.
  2. Form Cookies:
    • Place dough in a piping bag fitted with a decorative tip. Pipe out cookies onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, creating desired shapes.

      Prepare the Dough:

      1. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
      2. Add Egg and Vanilla: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
      3. Add Flour and Salt: Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.

      Chill the Dough:

      1. Shape and Chill: Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape during baking.

      Roll and Cut:

      1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
      2. Shape Cookies: Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes, or roll the dough into small balls and flatten slightly for round cookies.

      Bake:

      1. Bake: Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spaced about an inch apart, and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn light golden brown.
      2. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

      Tips and Variations

      • Flavor Additions: Add a dash of almond extract, lemon zest, or sprinkle sugar on top before baking for extra flavor.
      • Decorate: Dip in melted chocolate, drizzle with icing, or dust with powdered sugar once cooled.
      • Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

      These Vanilla Butter Cookies are rich, buttery, and have a subtle vanilla flavor – perfect for tea time, holiday treats, or gifting!

Bake the Cookies

  1. Preheat Oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F).
  2. Bake:
    • Bake the cookies for 10 minutes or until they are slightly golden around the edges.

Optional Finishing Touches

  • Roll in Sugar:
    • After baking, you can roll some cookies in additional sugar for a sweet, crunchy coating.
  • Patterned Cookies:
    • For a decorative touch, press the dough gently with a patterned tool or fork before baking.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with coffee or tea for a classic pairing.
  • Dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate for an added treat.
  • Pair with fresh berries for a touch of tartness.
  • Serve as a dessert platter with other holiday cookies.
  • Gift in a tin for festive occasions.

Cooking Tips

  • Ensure butter is softened for easier mixing.
  • Sift flour and cornstarch to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth dough.
  • Chill dough for 10 minutes if it becomes too soft to pipe.
  • Use a piping bag with a large tip to create beautiful patterns.
  • Monitor baking time closely; cookies should be lightly golden.

Nutritional Benefits

  • Butter: Adds rich flavor and a creamy texture.
  • Cornstarch: Creates a tender, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
  • Vanilla Sugar: Enhances sweetness naturally.

Dietary Information

  • Vegetarian: Contains no meat or fish.
  • Nut-Free: Safe for those with nut allergies.
  • Egg-Free: No eggs used in this recipe.

Nutritional Facts (Per Cookie Estimate)

  • Calories: ~90 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Fat: 5 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Sugar: 3 g

Storage

  • Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
  • Freeze for longer storage, up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Classic Flavor: Buttery and vanilla-scented, a timeless favorite.
  • Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
  • Beautiful Presentation: Easy to pipe and shape into beautiful designs.
  • Customizable: Add a touch of lemon zest or dip in chocolate for variety.
  • Perfect for Gifting: These cookies are lovely as homemade gifts.|

    Variations and Customization

    1. Flavor Enhancements: Add a dash of almond or coconut extract for a twist. For a zesty touch, mix in lemon or orange zest.
    2. Decorations:
      • Icing: Once cooled, you can decorate the cookies with royal icing, which adds a sweet glaze that hardens beautifully.
      • Chocolate: Dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate and let them set for a touch of elegance.
      • Sprinkles: Add sprinkles before baking or after icing for a festive look.
    3. Shape Options: Roll into small balls, flatten with a fork for a classic round shape, or use festive cookie cutters for themed cookies.

    Storage and Make-Ahead Options

    • Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
    • Freezing Dough: You can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. Thaw in the fridge before baking.
    • Freezing Baked Cookies: Freeze fully baked and cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers for up to a month.

Conclusion

These Vanilla Butter Cookies are a perfect addition to any occasion, offering a buttery, crumbly texture with a delicate vanilla flavor. Their ease of preparation and versatility make them a go-to treat for celebrations or quiet tea time at home. Enjoy making, serving, and sharing these delightful cookies!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I use vanilla extract instead of vanilla sugar?
    Yes, substitute with 1/2 tsp of vanilla extract for a similar flavor.
  • Can I add other flavors to the cookies?
    Yes, add lemon zest, almond extract, or spices like cinnamon for variety.
  • How can I make the cookies crispier?
    Bake for an additional 2-3 minutes or until golden brown for a crisper texture.
  • Can I decorate the cookies with icing?
    Yes, after cooling, drizzle with icing or melted chocolate.
  • How can I keep the dough from being too sticky?
    If the dough becomes sticky, chill it for 10-15 minutes before piping.
Pin2
Share
Tweet