Description
Classic buttery cookies that are crisp on the outside and tender on the inside, perfect for teatime or holiday treats. These easy-to-make butter cookies have a delicate vanilla flavor and can be enjoyed plain or dipped in chocolate with sprinkles.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large egg yolks, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (250 grams)
- 1 tablespoon milk
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large half-sheet baking pans with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment on medium speed, or a large bowl with a hand mixer, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and salt until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, approximately 2 minutes.
- Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla: Add the egg yolks and vanilla extract to the creamed butter mixture and blend until fully incorporated, ensuring a smooth batter.
- Incorporate Flour and Milk: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing until a dough begins to form. Then add the tablespoon of milk and mix just until combined, ensuring the dough remains soft and pliable.
- Pipe Cookies: Transfer the dough into a large piping bag fitted with a large open star tip (such as Ateco 826). Pipe the dough in circular motions, starting from the center, to form round cookies on the prepared baking sheets. Space cookies about 1 inch apart. Place the trays in the refrigerator while the oven finishes preheating to help the cookies maintain their shape.
- Bake Cookies: Bake for 14-16 minutes or until the cookie edges begin to turn golden brown. Avoid overbaking to keep a tender texture inside.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional Finish: Serve the cookies plain or dip them into melted chocolate and sprinkle with decorative toppings for an extra special touch.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming and better texture.
- Use a piping bag with a star tip for classic ridged cookie shape; alternatively, you can use a spoon to shape cookies if piping equipment is unavailable.
- Chilling the dough after piping helps retain the cookies’ shape during baking.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend suitable for baking.
- Optional chocolate dip adds sweetness and festivity but will increase calorie content.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
