Are you craving a melt-in-your-mouth cookie that's incredibly easy to make? Look no further! These Land O Lakes Butter Cookies are the perfect answer for a quick and delicious treat. This recipe highlights the rich, buttery flavor of Land O Lakes butter, creating a simple yet unforgettable cookie experience perfect for any occasion – from casual weeknight snacks to elegant holiday gatherings. Get ready to impress yourself and everyone you share these with!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) Land O Lakes unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
Step 1: Cream Together Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened Land O Lakes butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This is best achieved using an electric mixer, but a sturdy hand mixer or even good old-fashioned elbow grease will work! The key is to get that creamy texture.
Step 2: Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is thoroughly incorporated.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that the leavening agent is evenly distributed, leading to consistently delicious cookies.
Step 4: Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
Step 5: Shape and Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll the dough into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them on ungreased baking sheets. Gently flatten each ball with a fork, creating a classic criss-cross pattern.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them, as ovens can vary.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, enjoy these delightful Land O Lakes Butter Cookies!
Tips for the Best Butter Cookies:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened, not melted. This ensures proper creaming and a light, fluffy texture.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For even better results, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading and gives you more control over the cookie shape.
- Baking Time Varies: Ovens vary, so keep a close eye on your cookies during baking. Start checking for doneness around 8 minutes.
Variations:
- Chocolate Chip: Add 1 cup of chocolate chips to the dough for a delicious twist.
- Sprinkles: Add colorful sprinkles before baking for a festive touch.
- Citrus Zest: Add the zest of one lemon or orange for a bright, refreshing flavor.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 80-100
- Fat: Approximately 5-6g
- Sugar: Approximately 5-7g
These delicious Land O Lakes Butter Cookies are a perfect example of how simple ingredients and a little bit of care can create a truly special treat. They’re easy enough for a weeknight baking project and impressive enough for any gathering. Enjoy!