Description
These World’s Best Butter Cookies are a classic American dessert, featuring a simple yet rich buttery flavor with a perfect vanilla hint. Soft, slightly crisp at the edges, and utterly melt-in-your-mouth, these cookies are easy to prepare, making them a go-to for holidays or any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, use a mixer or a strong spoon to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
- Add vanilla and salt: Mix in the pure vanilla extract and salt thoroughly to infuse the dough with flavor balance.
- Incorporate flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the wet mixture, blending continuously until a soft, cohesive cookie dough forms without any streaks of flour.
- Shape cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each into a ball. Place the dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet to allow for spreading.
- Flatten cookies: Slightly flatten each ball by pressing gently with the back of a fork or your fingers to create the classic butter cookie shape and ensure even baking.
- Bake cookies: Bake them in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn a golden brown, signaling the perfect doneness.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them carefully to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they set properly and stay crisp.
Notes
- For extra decoration, sprinkle coarse sugar on top of the cookies before baking for added crunch and sparkle.
- Dip cooled cookies in melted chocolate to add richness and create an indulgent treat.
- Use a cookie press to shape the dough into classic butter cookie designs for a fancy presentation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
