Recipe Guide:
Butter Cookies Recipe – Sweet Melodies of Simplicity
There’s something incredibly heartwarming about the smell of Butter Cookies wafting through the house, isn’t there? It takes me back to my childhood kitchen, where my mom would whip up her famous cookies every Sunday afternoon. The creamy butter, the warm scent of vanilla, and the magic of chocolate chips always brought a smile to my face. Now, I’m excited to share this delightful recipe with you, one that is as comforting as a warm hug and perfect for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love It
- Quick and easy to make
- Comforting homemade flavor
- Made with simple ingredients
- Great for any occasion
- Always a crowd-pleaser
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened – make sure it’s softened for that creamy texture!
- 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar – adds just the right sweetness.
- 1 large egg yolk – that richness is key to a perfect cookie!
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – for a lovely aromatic touch!
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – this balances the sweetness beautifully.
- 2 cups + 2 Tablespoons (265 g) all-purpose flour – the base of our cookie goodness.
- 1 cup (170 g) dark chocolate chips – because chocolate makes everything better!
- 1/2 teaspoon vegetable shortening – helps the chocolate melt smoothly.
- Nonpareil sprinkles (optional) – for a little bit of festive fun!
How to Make It
Let’s dive into these cozy kitchen moments together! First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). You’ll hear that comforting hum as it heats up, perfect for baking.
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In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s creamy and fluffy. This step might take a couple of minutes, but it’s so worth it! You want that lovely texture.
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Next, add the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat well until it’s all combined, and you can almost smell the warmth.
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Then, gradually add the flour. It’ll feel a bit crumbly at first, but keep mixing until everything comes together into a soft dough.
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Now comes the fun part! Fit a piping bag with an Ateco 827 tip (it’s a great tool for swirling) and portion half of the dough into the bag.
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Pipe cookies into swirl shapes on an ungreased cookie sheet. You can make them as big or as small as your heart desires, but I like them just the right size for popping in my mouth!
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Pop those beauties into the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. You’ll start to see the edges turn golden brown, and oh, the smell will be divine!
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Once they’re out, let them cool on the cookie sheet for 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
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For a little extra magic, if desired, melt the chocolate chips with the shortening and dip the cooled cookies, then sprinkle with nonpareil sprinkles. Allow the chocolate to harden completely before diving in.
Kitchen Tips
- Time-saving trick: Prepare the dough in advance and chill it in the fridge before piping! You can bake fresh cookies whenever you like.
- Common mistake fix: If your cookies spread too much, make sure your butter isn’t too soft; it should be just creamy, not melted.
- Flavor variation: Swap in white chocolate chips or even add a sprinkle of sea salt for a delightful twist!
Serving Ideas
These Butter Cookies are perfect for family dinners, a cozy night in with loved ones, or as a delightful treat at your holiday table! Imagine serving them with a warm mug of cocoa or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You could also place them in a cute jar as a thoughtful gift for friends.
Storing & Leftovers
- Store your Butter Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- If you want to keep them fresh for longer, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They’ll stay delicious for about three months!
- One fun leftover idea is to crush them up and use them as a topping for ice cream or yogurt!
FAQs
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Definitely! It often tastes even better the next day.
Q: Can I swap any ingredients?
A: Of course! Use what you have — this recipe is very forgiving.
Q: What’s the best way to serve it?
A: Fresh from the pan, while it’s still warm and aromatic.
Q: How do I know it’s perfectly cooked?
A: Look for golden edges and that delicious, fragrant smell — that’s your sign!
Final Thoughts
These Butter Cookies have a special place in my heart. They remind me of the love and warmth shared over the kitchen counter with friends and family. I hope you try this recipe and make it your own, perhaps with a memory or two of your own to share! When you take that first bite, I believe you’ll feel that same cozy connection as I do. Happy baking, and enjoy every delicious bite of your Butter Cookies!
Butter Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s creamy and fluffy.
- Add the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat well until it’s all combined.
- Gradually add the flour, mixing until everything comes together into a soft dough.
- Fit a piping bag with an Ateco 827 tip and portion half of the dough into the bag.
- Pipe cookies into swirl shapes on an ungreased cookie sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges turn golden brown.
- Let cool on the cookie sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
- Melt the chocolate chips with the shortening and dip the cooled cookies, then sprinkle with nonpareil sprinkles.
- Allow the chocolate to harden completely before serving.
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