Butter Cookies

Butter cookies are a classic type of cookie that are loved for their rich and buttery flavor, delicate texture, and simple yet irresistible taste. They are often enjoyed during holidays, special occasions, or as a delightful everyday treat.

The main ingredient in butter cookies is, as the name suggests, butter. High-quality unsalted butter is typically used to achieve the best flavor and texture. Additional ingredients include flour, sugar, and sometimes vanilla extract for added aroma.

To make butter cookies, the butter is first creamed together with sugar until light and fluffy. Then, the flour is gradually incorporated into the butter-sugar mixture until a smooth dough forms. The dough is often chilled for a short period to make it easier to handle and shape.

Butter cookies can be shaped in various ways, such as using a cookie press, rolling the dough into balls and flattening them with a fork, or using cookie cutters to create different shapes. The cookies are then baked until they turn a light golden brown around the edges.

The resulting butter cookies have a tender and crumbly texture that melts in your mouth. They have a delicate sweetness and a pronounced buttery flavor that is both comforting and indulgent. Butter cookies can be enjoyed plain or can be decorated with sprinkles, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a drizzle of chocolate for added flair.

Whether enjoyed on their own with a cup of tea or coffee, as a base for sandwiching with jam or chocolate ganache, or as part of a cookie assortment, butter cookies are a timeless and delightful treat loved by people of all ages.

Ingredients:

• 355g (2 ½ cups) all-purpose flour
• 240g (1 cup) softened butter
• 1 egg
• 150g (1 ½ cups) powdered sugar
• 5ml (1 tsp) vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F.
2. In a large bowl, use a mixer to beat together the softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until creamy. Add the egg and mix well until fully incorporated.
3. Gradually add the flour to the mixture, working the dough with a spatula until it comes together and forms a cohesive mass.
4. Divide the dough in half and shape each portion into a log using two pieces of parchment paper to help mold and roll the dough. Ensure the logs are of even thickness.
5. Cut the logs into individual cookies of your desired thickness and place them onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each cookie.
6. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they turn a light golden brown around the edges.
7. Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack before serving.

Enjoy these delicious homemade butter cookies as a delightful treat with a cup of tea or as a sweet addition to any occasion!