World’s Best Butter Cookies

Introduction

If you’re a fan of buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies, this recipe for the World’s Best Butter Cookies will quickly become a favorite in your household. I’ve made these cookies countless times, and every time they disappear faster than I can make them! They are simple yet decadent, with a rich buttery flavor that everyone in the family loves. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself to something sweet, these cookies never fail to impress. Their delicate texture and subtle vanilla flavor make them perfect with a hot cup of tea or coffee. I’ve had friends and family beg me for the recipe, and now I’m sharing it with you!

Why You’ll Love These World’s Best Butter Cookies

There’s something magical about butter cookies – they’re simple, yet delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. This recipe for the World’s Best Butter Cookies is exactly that: simple ingredients combined to create a perfect, buttery treat. The cookies are perfectly crisp on the outside, yet soft and rich on the inside. With just a few ingredients, you can create a batch of cookies that will make your kitchen smell like heaven. What makes these butter cookies stand out is their versatility: you can eat them plain or add your favorite toppings like sprinkles, chocolate chips, or even a drizzle of glaze. These cookies are sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire.

Ingredients

• 8 oz unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 large egg yolk
• 2 cups all-purpose flour

Instructions

1. Beat the Butter and Sugar
   In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, sugar, salt, and vanilla together using an electric mixer. Beat on medium speed until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
2. Add the Egg Yolk
   Add the egg yolk to the butter mixture and continue mixing until fully incorporated. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure the ingredients are well combined.
3. Incorporate the Flour
   Gradually add the flour to the mixture. Mix until just incorporated. The dough should come together easily and be smooth.
4. Knead the Dough
   Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough a few times until it becomes smooth and easy to handle.
5. Chill the Dough
   Shape the dough into a log, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for several hours (or freeze it for later use). Chilling the dough helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.
6. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
7. Slice and Bake
   Once the dough has chilled, remove it from the refrigerator. Slice the dough into 1/8-inch thick rounds and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about an inch apart. Bake the cookies for 16-18 minutes, or until the edges just begin to turn golden.
8. Cool and Serve
   Once the cookies are baked, allow them to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 cookie (out of 24)

• Calories: 95
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 35mg
• Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 25mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 16-18 minutes
• Chill Time: 2-3 hours (or overnight)
• Total Time: 3 hours (including chilling time)

How to Serve

• Serve with a hot cup of tea, coffee, or milk for a comforting snack.
• Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness and decoration.
• Pair with chocolate or fruit preserves for a delightful treat.
• These cookies can also be used as an edible gift – just package them in a cute box with a ribbon.
• Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week, or freeze them for longer storage.

Additional Tips

1. Use Room Temperature Butter: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth dough.
2. Chill the Dough Well: Chilling the dough prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking, giving them that perfect shape.
3. Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing the dough will result in tough cookies. Mix only until the flour is just incorporated.
4. Flavor Variations: Add a pinch of lemon zest or almond extract to the dough for a new flavor twist.
5. Storage: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh for longer.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
   It’s best to use unsalted butter for this recipe to control the amount of salt. If you only have salted butter, reduce the salt in the recipe by half.
2. Can I freeze the dough?
   Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just slice the dough before freezing, then bake directly from the freezer when you’re ready.
3. How thick should I slice the dough?
   Slice the dough into 1/8-inch thick rounds for perfectly crisp cookies. Thicker slices will result in softer cookies.
4. Can I add chocolate chips to this recipe?
   Yes, feel free to fold in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips into the dough for an extra indulgent treat.
5. What can I use if I don’t have parchment paper?
   You can use a silicone baking mat or lightly grease the baking sheet with butter or non-stick spray.
6. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
   Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but the texture may vary slightly.
7. How do I make sure my cookies don’t spread too much?
   Chilling the dough for a few hours helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
8. How can I decorate these cookies?
   You can drizzle the cookies with melted chocolate, add sprinkles, or dust them with powdered sugar after baking.
9. What is the best way to store these cookies?
   Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them.
10. Can I make these cookies with a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer?
    Yes, you can use a hand mixer, but be sure to mix the ingredients slowly to avoid making a mess.

Conclusion

These World’s Best Butter Cookies are incredibly easy to make and are the perfect blend of buttery flavor and crisp texture. Whether you’re looking for a simple snack or a treat to share with friends and family, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Their melt-in-your-mouth texture, combined with the delightful aroma of vanilla and butter, will make them the perfect addition to any gathering. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a batch of cookies that will have everyone asking for more!

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