Are you craving a delightful, melt-in-your-mouth cookie but don't have eggs on hand? Don't worry! This recipe for butter cookies without eggs is the perfect solution. These incredibly easy cookies are surprisingly delicious, requiring minimal ingredients and effort. Perfect for beginner bakers or anyone short on time, these cookies are a fantastic quick dinner treat, a healthy addition to your afternoon tea, or a wonderful homemade gift. Let's get baking!
Ingredients: You'll only need a few simple items for this recipe.
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide to Cookie Perfection
1. Cream Together the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving a tender crumb. Use an electric mixer for best results, but a good old-fashioned whisk will also work!
2. Add Vanilla and Dry Ingredients: Beat in the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies.
3. Chill the Dough: This step is important for preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking. Cover the bowl and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
4. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
5. Shape and Bake: Roll the chilled dough into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter). Place the balls onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between them. Lightly flatten each ball with a fork, creating a criss-cross pattern.
6. Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
7. 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 and Variations for the Best Butter Cookies
- Softened Butter is Key: Ensure your butter is truly softened but not melted. This will help achieve a smooth and creamy dough.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Chill Time Matters: Chilling the dough prevents spreading and ensures a better texture.
- Flavor Variations: Add a teaspoon of almond extract or lemon zest for a unique flavor twist. You can also add sprinkles before baking for extra flair!
- Storage: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate)
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 80-100
- Fat: 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: 10-12g
- Protein: 1g
These simple butter cookies without eggs are a perfect example of delicious and easy recipes that anyone can make. They are a fantastic addition to any occasion, showcasing the joy of homemade cooking and creating delicious dishes without fuss. Enjoy!