Are you ready to bake up a batch of cookies so soft, chewy, and utterly delicious that they'll disappear in minutes? Then get ready to discover the secret to the best butterball cookies you'll ever taste! These easy recipes are perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike, delivering that perfect balance of sweet and buttery goodness. Whether you're looking for quick dinner ideas or simply a delightful treat, these homemade cooking creations are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients: A Simple Blend of Sweetness
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it perfect for a spontaneous baking session.
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup chocolate chips (optional, but highly recommended!)
Instructions: Step-by-Step Baking Bliss
Let's transform these simple ingredients into delightful butterball cookies!
- Cream the butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This is best done with an electric mixer, but you can achieve similar results with a good amount of elbow grease.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add dry to wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
- Stir in chocolate chips (optional): If using, gently fold in the chocolate chips.
- Chill the dough (optional but recommended): For optimal results, cover the bowl and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent the cookies from spreading too thin during baking.
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Scoop and bake: Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
- Bake to perfection: Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
- Cool and enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Perfect Butterball Cookie
- Softened butter is key: Make sure your butter is truly softened but not melted. This ensures proper creaming and a soft texture.
- Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies.
- Chill the dough (optional): Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading and produces thicker, chewier cookies.
- Adjust baking time: Oven temperatures vary, so keep an eye on your cookies and adjust baking time as needed.
Delicious Variations: Beyond the Classic
- Peanut Butter Butterballs: Add ½ cup of creamy peanut butter to the dough.
- Oatmeal Raisin Butterballs: Stir in ½ cup of rolled oats and ½ cup of raisins.
- White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Butterballs: Replace the chocolate chips with white chocolate chips and chopped macadamia nuts.
- Sprinkles galore!: Add a colorful touch by sprinkling some sprinkles on top of the cookies before baking.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200 (depending on variations and size)
This recipe provides delicious and healthy meals that are perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the process of homemade cooking and the satisfaction of sharing these delightful butterball cookies with loved ones!