Best Butter Cookies

Here’s a classic, melt-in-your-mouth Butter Cookie recipe — simple, rich, and perfect for any occasion from holidays to everyday treats.

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🍪 Best Butter Cookies

🧾 Ingredients (Makes ~30 cookies):

• 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened

• 2/3 cup (135 g) granulated sugar

• 1 egg yolk

• 1½ tsp vanilla extract

• 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour

• 1/4 tsp salt

Optional:

• A few tbsp of coarse sugar for topping

• Melted chocolate for drizzling or dipping

• Lemon zest or almond extract for variation

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👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Cream the butter and sugar:

   • In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).

2. Add yolk and vanilla:

   • Mix in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until well combined.

3. Add dry ingredients:

   • Stir in flour and salt just until the dough comes together. Do not overmix.

4. Chill the dough:

   • Wrap dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30–60 minutes (this helps hold shape when baking).

5. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

6. Shape and bake:

   • Roll into small balls, then flatten slightly with your hand or the bottom of a glass.

   • For shaped cookies: roll out to 1/4 inch thick and cut with cookie cutters.

   • Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are just golden (not brown).

7. Cool and enjoy:

   • Let cool on a wire rack. Optional: drizzle with melted chocolate or sprinkle with sugar.

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📝 Tips:

• For a Danish-style butter cookie: pipe the dough using a star tip.

• Store in an airtight container at room temp for up to 1 week (they also freeze well).

Would you like a variation with spices, chocolate chips, or a gluten-free version?