1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar using an electric mixer or whisk until the mixture is light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes).
- Add the vanilla extract and mix it in. If you’re using an egg, add it now and mix until fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a smooth dough forms. The dough should be soft but not sticky. If it feels too soft, chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
3. Shape the Cookies:
- Scoop small portions of dough (about 1 tablespoon each) and roll them into balls, then flatten each ball with a fork or your fingers to form a round shape, about 1/4-inch thick. Alternatively, you can use a cookie press to create decorative shapes.
- For extra flair, sprinkle the top of each cookie with colored sugar or sprinkles before baking.
4. Bake the Cookies:
- Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each one.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-baking; these cookies should remain light and not too browned.
5. Cool and Serve:
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Enjoy as is, or dip the edges in melted chocolate for an added treat.
Tips:
- Customization: You can add zest from lemon or orange for a citrusy twist or fold in small pieces of chocolate, nuts, or dried fruit to make the cookies more unique.
- Make Ahead: The dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the dough for up to 3 months, rolling it into a log and slicing it into rounds when ready to bake.
- Decorating: These cookies are perfect for decorating, especially during the holiday season. Use icing or melted chocolate to add designs.
These Butter Cookies are a simple yet delicious treat that everyone will love. Whether you enjoy them plain, with a sprinkle of sugar, or dipped in chocolate, they’re sure to be a hit!