Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple, pantry-staple ingredients.
- Perfect for holidays, gifts, or anytime treats.
- Easy to customize with your favorite flavors or decorations.
- A great make-ahead recipe—freeze the dough and bake when ready.
- Delightfully crisp edges with a tender, buttery center.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 8 oz unsalted butter
- 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
Directions
- Beat the butter, sugar, salt, and vanilla together until smooth and creamy.
- Mix in the egg yolk, ensuring it’s fully incorporated, and scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Gradually add the flour and mix until just combined.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead a few times until smooth.
- Shape the dough into a log, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for several hours or freeze for later use.
- Preheat your oven to 325°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Slice the chilled dough into 1/8-inch thick rounds and place them on the prepared sheets, spacing them about an inch apart.
- Bake for 16-18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Approximately 36 cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 2-3 hours
- Bake Time: 16-18 minutes
Variations
- Add a Twist: Mix in finely chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or citrus zest.
- Shape Fun: Roll the dough out and use cookie cutters for festive shapes.
- Drizzle or Dip: Add a chocolate drizzle or dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate.
- Spice It Up: Incorporate a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Freezing Dough: Freeze the cookie dough log for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before slicing and baking.
- Reheating: Butter cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but you can warm them slightly in the oven at 300°F for a few minutes if desired.
FAQs
1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce the added salt to balance the flavor.
2. How can I make the cookies gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour substitute.
3. Can I add food coloring to the dough?
Absolutely! Add gel food coloring to create colorful cookies.
4. What if I don’t have vanilla extract?
Try almond extract or leave it out for a plain butter cookie.
5. Why does the dough need to be chilled?
Chilling prevents spreading and helps maintain the cookie’s shape.
6. Can I roll and cut the dough instead of slicing it?
Yes, roll the dough out after chilling and use cookie cutters.
7. How do I know when the cookies are done?
Look for lightly golden edges; the center will firm up as they cool.
8. Can I freeze baked cookies?
Yes, freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
9. How thin should I slice the cookies?
Aim for 1/8-inch slices for the best texture.
10. Can I double the recipe?
Definitely! This recipe scales well for larger batches.
Conclusion
These classic butter cookies are a must-try for their simplicity and unbeatable flavor. Whether you enjoy them plain or dressed up with your favorite variations, they’re guaranteed to be a hit with family and friends. Bake a batch today and savor the buttery goodness!
World’s Best Butter Cookies
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Rich, buttery, and crisp, these butter cookies are the perfect classic treat. Made with simple ingredients, they’re ideal for holidays, gifting, or an anytime indulgence. Learn how to make these melt-in-your-mouth cookies that everyone will adore!
Ingredients
- 8 oz unsalted butter
- 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
- Beat butter, sugar, salt, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
- Mix in the egg yolk, ensuring full incorporation; scrape down the sides of the bowl.
- Gradually add flour and mix until just combined.
- Transfer dough to a floured surface, knead until smooth, and shape into a log.
- Wrap the log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for several hours or freeze for later use.
- Preheat oven to 325°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Slice chilled dough into 1/8-inch thick rounds, placing them 1 inch apart on the sheets.
- Bake for 16-18 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Add your favorite flavors like citrus zest or chocolate chips for variation.
- Chill time is essential to prevent spreading during baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 2-3 hours
- Cook Time: 16-18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
