Description
Classic buttery cookies with a tender crumb and a rich vanilla flavor, perfect for anytime snacking or festive occasions. These cookies are easy to prepare and bake to golden perfection, making them a delightful treat for cookie lovers of all ages.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes a few minutes. This step is essential for a tender cookie texture.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract into the creamed butter mixture, mixing until everything is fully combined and smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the wet ingredients. Mix just until the dough comes together, making sure not to overmix to keep the cookies tender.
- Shape Cookies: For classic round cookies, roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Slightly flatten each with the bottom of a glass or alternatively, use a cookie press to create shaped cookies.
- Bake: Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are just lightly golden, indicating they are cooked through but still soft in the center.
- Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes to set. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or decorating.
Notes
- For a festive touch, dip half of each cooled cookie in melted chocolate and sprinkle with chopped nuts or colorful sprinkles.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for easier handling, especially in warmer environments.
- You can shape the dough into a log, chill it, and slice into uniform cookie rounds for quick preparation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
