1. Prepare the Dough
Cream Butter and Sugar
- Cream Together: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add Egg and Vanilla
- Incorporate Egg and Vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Beat until well combined.
Mix Dry Ingredients
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Form the Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to prevent tough cookies.
2. Shape the Cookies
Prepare for Shaping
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Roll and Shape
- Roll Dough: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Add Toppings
- Flatten and Decorate: If desired, flatten the dough balls slightly with the bottom of a glass or the palm of your hand. Decorate with colored sugar, sprinkles, or other toppings as desired.
3. Bake the Cookies
Bake
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may still look slightly soft, but they will set as they cool.
Cool
- Cool on Racks: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
4. Serve and Store
Serve
- Enjoy Fresh: Serve the cookies fresh with a glass of milk, a cup of tea, or your favorite beverage.
Store
- Store Properly: Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze the cookies for up to three months.
Tips for Success
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the butter and egg are at room temperature before you start. This ensures they mix together smoothly and create a cohesive dough.
- Measuring Flour: Properly measure the flour by spooning it into your measuring cup and leveling it off with a knife. Too much flour can make the cookies dense and dry.
- Chilling the Dough: If the dough is too soft to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before shaping.
- Uniform Size: For evenly baked cookies, make sure the dough balls are of uniform size.
Variations
Chocolate-Dipped Butter Cookies
- Chocolate Dip: Once the cookies are baked and cooled, dip half of each cookie into melted chocolate. Let the chocolate set on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Almond Butter Cookies
- Almond Extract: Replace the vanilla extract with almond extract and add 1/2 cup of finely chopped almonds to the dough for a nutty flavor.
Lemon Butter Cookies
- Lemon Zest: Add 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon zest to the dough for a refreshing citrus twist.
Jam Thumbprint Cookies
- Thumbprint Style: Roll the dough into balls and make a small indentation in the center of each cookie. Fill the indentation with your favorite jam before baking.
Conclusion
Butter cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in countless ways. Their simple yet rich flavor makes them a versatile base for various toppings and flavors. With this comprehensive guide, you can create the perfect butter cookies that will impress family and friends at any gathering. Enjoy the process of baking these timeless cookies and the joy they bring to those who taste them. Happy baking!