World’s Best Butter Cookies Recipe

Introduction

These World’s Best Butter Cookies are delightfully tender and crisp, with a rich buttery flavor that melts in your mouth. Perfect for any occasion, they’re simple to make and irresistibly delicious.

Ingredients

• 8 oz unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 large egg yolk
• 2 cups all-purpose flour

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, sugar, salt, and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy.
2. Step 2: Add the egg yolk and mix until fully combined, scraping down the bowl as needed.
3. Step 3: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and mix until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix.
4. Step 4: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently a few times until smooth.
5. Step 5: Shape the dough into a log, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or freeze for later use.
6. Step 6: Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. Step 7: Slice the chilled dough into ⅛-inch thick rounds and place the cookies about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.
8. Step 8: Bake for 16–18 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden.
9. Step 9: Let the cookies cool on a wire rack before serving or storing.

Tips & Variations

• For an extra flavor twist, add a teaspoon of finely grated lemon zest or almond extract.
• Use chilled dough to slice cleanly; if dough softens, pop it back in the fridge before cutting.
• Sprinkle a light dusting of sugar on top before baking for added sparkle and crunch.

Storage

Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in a sealed bag or container for up to three months. Reheat briefly in a low oven or enjoy them at room temperature.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid over-salting the cookies.

How can I make these cookies crispier?

Bake them a couple of minutes longer until the edges turn a deeper golden color, but watch closely to prevent burning.

World’s Best Butter Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 86 reviews

These World’s Best Butter Cookies are delightfully buttery, tender, and crisp. Made with simple ingredients like softened butter, sugar, and vanilla, these classic cookies are perfect for any occasion. The dough is chilled to develop flavor and texture, then sliced and baked until golden at the edges. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, they pair beautifully with tea or coffee.

• Author: Sana
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 16-18 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
• Yield: About 30 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Butter Cookie Dough

• 8 oz unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 large egg yolk
• 2 cups all-purpose flour

Instructions

1. Prepare the Butter Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, salt, and vanilla extract together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This ensures a rich and fluffy base for your cookies. Add the egg yolk and mix thoroughly until fully combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
2. Add the Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the wet mixture, mixing just until incorporated. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender and light.
3. Knead and Chill the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times until smooth. Shape the dough into a log, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the dough to firm up. You can also freeze the dough for later use.
4. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
5. Slice the Dough: Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator and slice it into thin rounds about 1/8-inch thick. Place the cookie slices about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets to allow for slight spreading.
6. Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 16–18 minutes, or until the edges just begin to turn a golden color. This timing is key to achieving a perfect crisp edge with a tender center.
7. Cool and Serve: After baking, transfer the cookies to a wire rack and let them cool completely before serving or storing. This helps set the texture and enhances the flavor.

Notes

• Be sure not to overmix the dough once flour is added to maintain a tender texture.
• Chilling the dough is crucial for easy slicing and prevents cookies from spreading too much during baking.
• You can freeze the dough log for up to 1 month; slice and bake directly from frozen, adding a couple extra minutes to baking time.
• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
• For a festive twist, sprinkle a little coarse sugar on top before baking or dip cooled cookies in melted chocolate.

Keywords: butter cookies, classic cookies, homemade butter cookies, easy cookie recipe, holiday cookies, vanilla cookies