Yields: Approximately 17 cookies
Delicate, buttery, and with a hint of vanilla, these homemade butter cookies are the essence of comfort baking. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, they're the perfect accompaniment to your afternoon tea or coffee.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 200 grams of soft, unsalted butter
- 60 grams of powdered sugar
- The seeds from half a vanilla pod or 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 230 grams of all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Begin by beating the soft butter and powdered sugar in a bowl. Aim for a pale and creamy texture.
- Infuse the mixture with vanilla by adding the seeds or extract, and blend until the sweet fragrance is unmistakable.
- Add the egg to the butter mixture. Mix until the consistency is smooth and homogenous.
- Gradually sift in the all-purpose flour, stirring until a soft, pliable dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour until it's just right for piping.
- Spoon the dough into a piping bag fitted with a star-shaped or round nozzle, depending on your preference for cookie shape.
- Let the dough chill in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes; this makes it easier to pipe.
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (355°F) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
- Pipe the chilled dough onto the baking sheet, creating elegant swirls or simple rounds. For a touch of sweetness, press a small dent into the center of each cookie and fill it with jam, if you like.
- Bake the cookies for around 20 minutes. They should be just golden around the edges, the sign of a perfect butter cookie.
- Allow the baked cookies to cool on a wire rack, which will help them maintain their delightful crunch.
Serve these homemade butter cookies as a simple yet elegant treat. Their vanilla flavor and satisfying texture make them a universal favorite, ready to be enjoyed with a warm drink or as a light dessert. Happy baking!
