Are you ready to transport yourself back to simpler times, filled with the comforting aroma of freshly baked cookies and the joyful chatter of friends? This recipe for Lunchroom Butter Cookies is your ticket to that nostalgic trip. These melt-in-your-mouth delights are incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and even less effort. Perfect for a quick afternoon treat, a thoughtful gift, or a simple addition to your next gathering, these cookies are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, delivering a burst of pure buttery goodness with every bite. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out in the kitchen, this easy recipe is perfect for anyone looking to create delicious homemade treats. Let's get baking!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Cream Together:
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This is best done using an electric mixer, but you can certainly achieve great results with good old-fashioned elbow grease!
Add Wet Ingredients:
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. Make sure there are no streaks of egg remaining.
Combine Dry Ingredients:
- 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; a few lumps are okay.
Shape and Bake:
-
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Use a fork to gently flatten each ball, creating a slightly criss-crossed pattern on top. This adds a lovely texture and visual appeal.
-
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them as ovens vary!
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. This prevents them from becoming soggy.
Tips for Perfect Cookies:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened, not melted. This ensures that it creames properly with the sugar, resulting in lighter, fluffier cookies.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
- Even Baking: Rotate your baking sheets halfway through baking to ensure even browning.
Variations:
- Chocolate Chip Delight: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the dough for a delightful twist.
- Sprinkle Some Fun: Top the cookies with sprinkles before baking for an extra festive touch.
- Citrus Zest: Add the zest of one lemon or orange for a bright, refreshing flavor.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 100-120
- Fat: 6-7g
- Carbohydrates: 12-15g
- Sugar: 6-8g
- Protein: 1-2g
These values are estimates and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
These Lunchroom Butter Cookies are a simple pleasure that will bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart. Enjoy the process of creating these delicious treats, and savor every buttery bite! They're perfect for sharing – or keeping all to yourself!