Description
Deliciously rich and buttery cookies with a light, tender texture perfect for any occasion. These classic butter cookies are easy to make, requiring simple ingredients and a piping bag to achieve their signature shape. Ideal as a sweet snack or dessert, they stay fresh for days when stored properly.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened (use high-quality, name brand butter)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1-2 tablespoons milk or more if needed; any kind
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium low speed until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Add the large egg and vanilla extract, continuing to beat on medium low speed until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all purpose flour and salt, mixing just until fully incorporated. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Add Milk for Consistency: Add milk one tablespoon at a time until the dough reaches a piping consistency, using the minimum amount needed.
- Pipe the Cookies: Transfer the batter into a piping bag and pipe small circles onto the prepared baking sheet. Optionally, sprinkle with decorations like sprinkles.
- Chill Dough: Chill the baking sheet with piped dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading during baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies just start turning golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before serving.
Notes
- Store cookies at room temperature in an airtight container for 5-7 days or freeze for up to 6-8 months.
- Chilling the dough after piping and before baking is crucial to prevent spreading and maintain cookie shape.
- Weather conditions and altitude can affect baking results; add a few more tablespoons of flour if cookies spread excessively.
- Use high-quality, name-brand butter such as Challenge, Kerrygold, or Tillamook to ensure proper moisture content and the best texture.
- If spreading is an issue, adding extra flour can help compensate for moisture variations in butter.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 55 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
