Classic Butter Cookies

Classic Butter Cookies, with their melt-in-your-mouth goodness and delicate buttery flavor, are a timeless treat loved by people of all ages. These cookies are a perfect accompaniment to a cup of tea or coffee, and they make for delightful gifts during the holiday season. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through the process of creating these delectable buttery delights, from the essential ingredients to the step-by-step preparation.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Cookie Dough:

1. 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
2. 1 cup granulated sugar
3. 2 large egg yolks
4. 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
5. 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
6. 1/4 teaspoon salt

For Decorating (optional): 7. Sprinkles, colored sugar, or chocolate chips

8. Royal icing for drizzling (homemade or store-bought)

Preparation Steps:

1. Creaming the Butter and Sugar:

• In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This can be done using a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment.

2. Adding Egg Yolks and Vanilla:

• Beat in the egg yolks and vanilla extract until well incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are mixed evenly.

3. Combining Flour and Salt:

• In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. This step helps distribute the salt evenly throughout the dough.

4. Gradual Flour Addition:

• Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients in the large mixing bowl. Mix on low speed until a smooth dough forms. Be careful not to overmix; just combine until the dough comes together.

5. Chilling the Dough:

• Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a disc. Wrap them in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until the dough is firm.

6. Preheat Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

7. Rolling and Cutting:

• On a floured surface, roll out one disc of chilled dough to your desired thickness, usually around 1/4 inch. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes, placing them on the prepared baking sheets.

8. Baking:

• Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep a close eye on them, as they can quickly overbake.

9. Decorating (Optional):

• Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. If desired, decorate with sprinkles, colored sugar, chocolate chips, or drizzle with royal icing.

10. Enjoy:

• Once the cookies have cooled and any decorations have set, enjoy your homemade butter cookies with a hot beverage or share them with friends and family. Store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

These classic butter cookies are a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking them for yourself or as a thoughtful gift, the rich, buttery taste is sure to please. Enjoy!