Are you craving a simple yet utterly delicious cookie that melts in your mouth? Look no further! This Better Homes and Gardens Sandies recipe is a classic for a reason. These delicate, buttery shortbread cookies are incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and even less effort. Perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion – from casual weeknight treats to elegant holiday gatherings. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade cooking with this simple, yet satisfying recipe.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions:
Step 1: Creaming the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving a tender crumb. Use an electric mixer for best results, but a good old-fashioned hand mixer works wonders too!
Step 2: Adding Flavor and Binding
Beat in the vanilla extract. This enhances the overall flavor of the cookies. Now, gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies.
Step 3: Chilling the Dough
Form the dough into a disc, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step is essential; it prevents the cookies from spreading too thin during baking, ensuring they maintain their shape and delicate texture.
Step 4: Shaping and Baking the Sandies
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ⅛ inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes. Alternatively, you can simply use a knife to cut out squares or rectangles.
Place the cookies onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden brown.
Step 5: Cooling and Enjoying
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, you can enjoy these delightful Sandies as they are, or dust them with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
Tips and Variations:
- Softened Butter is Key: Ensure your butter is properly softened but not melted. This ensures proper creaming and a light, airy texture.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, leading to tough cookies. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
- Chill Time is Important: Chilling the dough prevents spreading and ensures beautifully shaped cookies.
- Flavor Variations: Add a teaspoon of almond extract or lemon zest for a unique twist. You can also incorporate ½ cup of chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts) into the dough for added texture and flavor. Consider adding sprinkles or drizzling melted chocolate after baking for an extra special treat.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 70-80 calories Fat: Approximately 4-5 grams Sugar: Approximately 5-6 grams
This information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion size.
These Better Homes and Gardens Sandies are the perfect addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and quick dinner ideas. Their delicate texture and simple elegance make them ideal for any occasion, making them a delicious addition to your homemade cooking endeavors. Enjoy!