Ingredients:
Butter: 1 cup unsalted (room temperature)
Sugar: 3/4 cup granulated or powdered (for added tenderness)
Egg yolks: 1 or 2 large (enhances richness)
Vanilla extract: 1-2 tsp pure vanilla
Flour: 2 cups (plus 2 tbsp if needed) all-purpose
Salt: 1/4 to 1/2 tsp
Optional: Sanding or demerara sugar for rolling
Instructions:
Mix the Dough: Cream the butter, sugar, and salt until smooth and fluffy. Add the egg yolks and vanilla extract, mixing well. Gradually incorporate the flour until a cohesive dough forms. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender texture.
Shape and Chill: Roll the dough into logs (around 1.5 inches in diameter), wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 1 hour or up to 3 days. Chilling prevents excessive spreading during baking and enhances flavor.
Prep and Bake: Preheat the oven to 325–350°F. Slice the chilled dough into rounds (1/4–1/2 inch thick), optionally roll in sugar, and arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are just golden.
Cool and Serve: Let cookies cool completely before storing or decorating. They can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week or frozen for longer.
Conclusion:
Butter cookies are a timeless dessert that can be tailored to fit any taste or occasion. Their simplicity makes them beginner-friendly, yet their elegance ensures they’re a favorite among experienced bakers too. With a little patience in chilling and baking, you’ll have a batch of cookies that everyone will adore.