Are you craving a taste of simpler times? Nothing evokes comforting nostalgia quite like a perfectly baked butter cookie. These old-fashioned butter cookies are incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and even less effort. They're the perfect treat for afternoon tea, holiday gatherings, or simply a quiet moment with a cup of coffee. Get ready to experience the pure, melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness of these homemade delights! This recipe is perfect for those seeking easy recipes, quick dinner ideas (though these are more of a dessert!), and healthy meals (in moderation, of course!).
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Optional: Coarse sugar for sprinkling (adds extra texture and sweetness!)
Instructions:
Step 1: Creaming the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This is best achieved using an electric mixer, but a good old-fashioned hand mixer will do the trick as well. The key is to incorporate plenty of air for a tender cookie.
Step 2: Adding Wet Ingredients
Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
Step 3: Combining 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. Overmixing can result in tough cookies.
Step 4: Shaping the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. For an extra touch, roll each ball in coarse sugar before placing it on the sheet.
Step 5: Baking the Cookies
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary.
Step 6: Cooling and Serving
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. These cookies are best enjoyed once they have completely cooled.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Butter Cookies:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened, but not melted. This will ensure that it creams properly with the sugar.
- 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.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For even better results, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
- Baking Time Varies: Oven temperatures can vary, so keep a close eye on your cookies and adjust baking time as needed.
Variations:
- Chocolate Chip Butter Cookies: Add 1 cup of chocolate chips to the dough for a delicious twist.
- Spiced Butter Cookies: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon of cloves to the dough for a warm, comforting flavor.
- Lemon Butter Cookies: Add the zest of one lemon to the dough for a bright, citrusy flavor.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 100-120 calories Fat: Approximately 6-7 grams Sugar: Approximately 7-8 grams
These old-fashioned butter cookies are a delicious and easy-to-make treat that is perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the simple pleasure of homemade baking! They're sure to become a family favorite, a testament to the joy of delicious dishes and homemade cooking. These simple food recipes are perfect for busy weeknights and make wonderful gifts. Try them today and experience the magic of these classic best recipes!