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Stack of classic butter cookies with a sparkling sugar rim on parchment.

Butter Cookies

Delightful butter cookies with crisp edges and rich flavor, perfect for tea time or as a sweet snack.
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 12 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: European, Scandinavian
Calories: 90

Ingredients
  

Dry Ingredients
  • 2 cups flour
  • 1/2 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
  • 1 cup unsalted butter (softened) Use room temperature butter.
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract Use pure vanilla extract for better flavor.
Toppings
  • 1/3 cup sanding sugar For sprinkling.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream together the softened butter, salt, and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
  2. Add the egg yolks while continually mixing, ensuring well combined.
  3. Pour in the 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract and mix thoroughly.
  4. Gradually add the flour, mixing until just incorporated to form a cohesive dough.
  5. Roll the dough into a log shape, wrap it tightly in parchment paper or plastic wrap, and chill it in the refrigerator for at least one hour.
Baking
  1. Once the dough is chilled, sprinkle sanding sugar on a clean surface.
  2. Unwrap your dough log and roll it in the sugar.
  3. Using a sharp knife, cut the dough into slices of even thickness to create your cookies.
  4. Place the slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  5. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes or until the edges are just turning golden brown.

Notes

Best served with tea or coffee. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze for up to three months.