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Classic Melt-in-Your-Mouth Butter Cookies

A close-up stack of golden, star-shaped butter cookies sprinkled with sugar on a white plate.
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Follow this easy recipe to make classic, rich butter cookies that are crisp on the edges and tender inside. These simple cookies use basic ingredients and are perfect for beginners or holiday baking.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Optional: 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, melted (for dipping)
  • Optional: Sprinkles or coarse sugar (for topping)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. This takes about 3 minutes.
  2. Beat in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until just combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
  3. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.
  5. Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip (like a Wilton 1M) for decorative shapes, or use a cookie scoop for simple mounds. If the dough is too soft to pipe, chill it for 15 minutes.
  6. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  7. Pipe or drop mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
  8. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. These are best when they remain pale in the center for a soft texture.
  9. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. If dipping, melt the chocolate according to package directions. Dip half of each cooled cookie into the melted chocolate and immediately sprinkle with sprinkles or coarse sugar, if using. Let the chocolate set completely before serving.

Notes

  • For a softer cookie, reduce the baking time by one minute.
  • If you do not have a piping bag, press the dough into a disk and slice into wedges, similar to shortbread cookies.
  • These rich vanilla cookies store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingbyjade.com/best-butter-cookies-melt-in-your-mouth-recipe/