Description
These Melt-in-Your-Mouth Butter Cookies are a classic treat featuring a delicate texture and rich buttery flavor. Perfectly sweetened with powdered sugar and enhanced with vanilla, these cookies bake to a light golden edge and offer a tender, melt-away experience with every bite. Ideal for tea time, gifting, or a simple homemade dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder (optional, for slightly puffier cookies)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for baking the cookies evenly.
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes using an electric mixer. This step helps create a tender texture.
- Add the vanilla: Mix in the vanilla extract thoroughly to infuse the dough with a warm, aromatic flavor.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder to ensure even distribution of the leavening agent and salt.
- Mix the dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined into a soft dough. Avoid overworking to keep the cookies tender.
- Shape the cookies: Roll the dough into small balls about 1 inch in diameter. Place them spaced apart on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Flatten each ball slightly with the back of a fork or your fingers to prepare for baking.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden, indicating they are perfectly cooked without overbaking.
- Cool and enjoy: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to firm up. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. These cookies can be enjoyed fresh or stored in an airtight container for later.
Notes
- For slightly puffier cookies, include the optional baking powder; otherwise, omit it for a more traditional dense texture.
- Ensure butter is softened but not melted for proper creaming with the sugar.
- Use parchment paper for easier cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- For a festive touch, consider dipping cooled cookies in melted chocolate or decorating with colored sugar before baking.
