These Simple Butter Cookies are a classic treat that’s rich, buttery, and incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients, these cookies are perfect for a quick homemade dessert or snack. The combination of butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla creates a soft, crumbly texture that pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee.
Preparation, Cooking, and Total Times:
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 20-24 cookies
- Cuisine: Baking, Dessert
Ingredients:
- 125g butter (softened)
- 1 egg
- 85g powdered sugar (also known as confectioners’ sugar)
- 280g all-purpose flour
- 0.5 teaspoon vanilla sugar (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract)
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it lightly with butter to prevent the cookies from sticking.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and powdered sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed. Beat the mixture until it’s light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the egg and vanilla sugar (or vanilla extract), and beat again until well incorporated. The egg helps bind the ingredients together and gives the cookies structure.
Step 3: Add the Flour
- Gradually add the flour to the butter mixture. Mix the dough using a spatula or mixer on low speed until the dough comes together. The dough will be soft but not sticky.
- If the dough seems too soft, you can add a little more flour (about 1 tablespoon at a time) until it reaches the desired consistency.
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
- Once the dough is ready, take small portions of it and roll them into balls or shape them using cookie cutters to create different designs. You can also simply flatten the dough balls with the back of a fork for a traditional look.
- Arrange the shaped cookies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one to allow for spreading during baking.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies turn light golden brown. The exact baking time will depend on the size and thickness of your cookies, so keep an eye on them.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
- Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve the cookies warm or at room temperature.
Serving Suggestions:
- These butter cookies are perfect on their own with a cup of tea, coffee, or hot chocolate.
- For a fun twist, you can dust the cookies with a little powdered sugar or dip them in chocolate for extra indulgence.
- Serve them on a cookie platter at parties or gatherings. They are great for both casual snacks and special occasions.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per Cookie):
- Calories: 90-100
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 6g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 5g
- Sodium: 15mg
These cookies are rich in flavor and offer a moderate amount of calories, making them a good treat to enjoy in moderation.
Origins and Popularity of the Recipe
Butter cookies, often referred to as sable cookies in French cuisine, have been a popular treat for centuries. These simple yet delicious cookies have roots in European baking, where they have been enjoyed for generations. The sable refers to the crumbly texture of the cookie, which is achieved by using butter and a higher proportion of fat to flour. Over time, these cookies have become a favorite in many households, especially during the holiday season. Variations of butter cookies can be found worldwide, often flavored with vanilla, chocolate, or citrus zest.
Reasons Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses only basic ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen.
- Quick and Easy: With minimal prep and cooking time, these cookies are perfect for when you need a sweet treat in a hurry.
- Deliciously Buttery: The rich flavor of butter combined with the subtle sweetness of powdered sugar makes these cookies irresistibly delicious.
- Versatile: You can shape the cookies however you like and add different decorations, such as sprinkles or a dusting of powdered sugar.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s for holiday baking, a family gathering, or a quick snack, these butter cookies are a great choice for any event.
Health Benefits
While these cookies are indulgent, they do offer a few health benefits:
- Source of Healthy Fats: The butter used in this recipe provides monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health when consumed in moderation.
- No Artificial Additives: Since the recipe uses simple, natural ingredients, you avoid artificial flavors, preservatives, and unhealthy additives that are often found in store-bought cookies.
- Energy Boosting: These cookies provide a small amount of carbohydrates and fats, making them a quick energy source to get through the day.
Cooking Tips
- Room Temperature Butter: Ensure that the butter is at room temperature before creaming it with the sugar. Softened butter mixes more easily and creates a light, airy dough.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing can cause the cookies to become tough. Mix until just combined to maintain a tender, crumbly texture.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): If the dough feels too soft to shape, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes. This will make it easier to handle and prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
- Use a Cookie Scoop: For evenly sized cookies, use a cookie scoop to measure the dough before placing it on the baking sheet.
- Watch the Baking Time: Since ovens vary, keep an eye on the cookies toward the end of baking to avoid overcooking. They should be lightly golden around the edges but not dark brown.
Variations to Try
- Chocolate Dipped Butter Cookies: After baking the cookies, melt some dark chocolate or milk chocolate and dip half of each cookie in the chocolate. Allow the chocolate to harden for a decadent treat.
- Citrus Zest: Add some lemon, orange, or lime zest to the dough to give the cookies a fresh, zesty flavor.
- Nuts and Spices: Incorporate chopped walnuts, almonds, or pecans into the dough for added texture and flavor. You can also sprinkle a bit of cinnamon or nutmeg to spice up the cookies.
- Gluten-Free Option: Replace the regular flour with gluten-free flour to make these cookies suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
Conclusion
These Simple Butter Cookies are the ultimate treat for anyone craving a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth snack. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a batch of cookies that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of tea, serving them at a party, or gifting them as a homemade treat, these cookies are sure to delight everyone. Easy to make, versatile, and utterly delicious, this is one recipe you’ll want to keep on hand.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
-
Can I make these cookies without eggs?
Yes, you can replace the eggs with flax eggs or chia eggs for a vegan version. -
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, margarine can be used as a substitute for butter, though it may alter the flavor slightly. -
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, these cookies freeze well. Store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. -
How can I store these cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. -
Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days or freeze it for up to 3 months before baking. -
Can I add chocolate chips to the dough?
Yes, chocolate chips can be added to the dough for a delicious twist. -
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of self-raising flour?
Yes, you can use all-purpose flour, but you will need to add baking powder to help the cookies rise. -
How do I make these cookies crispier?
Bake them for an extra minute or two until the edges are golden brown for a crispier texture. -
Can I make smaller cookies?
Yes, simply use a smaller cookie scoop to make mini cookies. Adjust the baking time slightly. -
How do I know when the cookies are done?
The cookies are done when the edges are golden and the tops are firm to the touch. If you insert a toothpick, it should come out clean.