Easy Vanilla Butter Cookies

Easy Vanilla Butter Cookies – delicate treats that melt in your mouth with each bite, leaving behind a heavenly aroma of vanilla and butter. Picture perfectly golden cookies with a tender crumb, gently flavored with pure vanilla extract and adorned with a dusting of sugar. Whether enjoyed with a cup of tea on a cozy afternoon or shared with loved ones during special occasions, these classic cookies are sure to evoke feelings of warmth and nostalgia. So, let’s embark on a delightful baking journey and create some irresistible vanilla-infused goodness together!

Resume of the recipe: Embark on a journey of flavor and fragrance with our Easy Vanilla Butter Cookies – a timeless recipe that celebrates the delicate sweetness of pure vanilla and the richness of butter in every bite. With their simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these cookies are perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros alike. Whether you’re looking for a quick treat to satisfy your sweet tooth or a delightful gift to share with friends and family, these buttery delights are sure to please. So, let’s roll up our sleeves, preheat the oven, and dive into the joy of baking these delicious vanilla-infused cookies!

Exciting Story: In the heart of our cozy kitchen, where the scent of freshly baked cookies fills the air and laughter echoes off the walls, there’s a sense of joy and anticipation that can only mean one thing – baking time! It’s in this cherished space that I first discovered the magic of making Easy Vanilla Butter Cookies – a recipe that has since become a beloved tradition in our home. As I creamed together the butter and sugar, added the fragrant vanilla extract, and gently mixed in the flour, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement knowing that soon we would be indulging in the irresistible sweetness of these classic treats. And as the cookies emerged from the oven, golden and fragrant, I knew that I had created not just a dessert, but a moment of pure bliss that would be savored by all.

Why This Recipe Rocks:

• Classic Flavor: Our Vanilla Butter Cookies boast a delicate vanilla flavor and buttery richness that’s simply irresistible.
• Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: With their tender crumb and melt-in-your-mouth goodness, these cookies are sure to satisfy even the most discerning sweet tooth.
• Versatile and Customizable: Feel free to get creative with shapes and decorations, from simple rounds to festive cutouts, and add-ons like sprinkles or icing, to make these cookies uniquely your own.

What I need to make Easy Vanilla Butter Cookies

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Additional granulated sugar, for rolling (optional)

How to Make Easy Vanilla Butter Cookies:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add Vanilla: Mix in pure vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add flour and salt to the butter mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
5. Shape Dough: Roll dough into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
6. Optional: Roll in Sugar: If desired, roll the dough balls in additional granulated sugar to coat.
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
8. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
9. Serve and Enjoy: Once cooled, serve these delectable Vanilla Butter Cookies alongside your favorite hot beverage or enjoy them on their own. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to one week.

Tips For Easy Vanilla Butter Cookies:

• For best results, use high-quality pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.
• Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature before creaming it with the sugar to ensure a smooth and creamy texture.
• If you prefer a crisper cookie, you can flatten the dough balls slightly with the bottom of a glass before baking.

Substitutions and Variations For Easy Vanilla Butter Cookies:

• Experiment with different extracts, such as almond or lemon, to create unique flavor variations.
• Add mix-ins like chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit to the dough for added texture and flavor.
• For a festive touch, decorate the cookies with colored sugar, sprinkles, or icing before baking.

Make a Healthier Version For Easy Vanilla Butter Cookies:

• Substitute part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or almond flour for added fiber and nutrients.
• Use a plant-based butter substitute or margarine in place of butter for a dairy-free option.
• Reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe or use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup for a lower-sugar option.

Closing: Indulge in the simple pleasures of baking with our Easy Vanilla Butter Cookies – a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether enjoyed with a cup of tea on a quiet afternoon or shared with loved ones during holiday gatherings, these classic cookies are sure to bring smiles and warm hearts. So, gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and let the sweet aroma of vanilla and butter fill your home as you bake up a batch of these irresistible treats!

Frequently Asked Questions For Easy Vanilla Butter Cookies:

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, you can use salted butter in this recipe, but you may want to reduce or omit the additional salt called for in the recipe to avoid over-salting the cookies.

Can I freeze the cookie dough for later?

Absolutely! You can shape the cookie dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag or container for longer storage. When ready to bake, simply thaw the dough balls in the refrigerator overnight and proceed with baking as usual.

Can I add lemon zest to the dough for a citrusy flavor?

Yes, adding lemon zest to the dough can impart a subtle citrus flavor to the cookies. Simply mix the zest of one lemon into the dough along with the vanilla extract.

Can I make larger cookies instead of small ones?

Certainly! You can adjust the size of the dough balls to make larger cookies, but be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly to ensure they are baked through.

Can I decorate the cookies with icing after baking?

Absolutely! Once the cookies are cooled, you can drizzle them with a simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk or water, or use royal icing for more intricate designs. Allow the icing to set before serving or storing the cookies.

Vanilla Butter Cookies – A Melt-in-Your-Mouth Delight

Recipe by CutsfoodCourse: All Recipes

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 large egg

• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions

• In the heart of our baking adventure, I discovered the secret to creating these delightful cookies. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining baking sheets with parchment paper.
• In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, beating until well combined.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this could result in dense cookies.
• Shape the cookie dough into rounded tablespoons and place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving enough space between each cookie.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
• Whether you enjoy them plain or get creative with icing and decorations, these Vanilla Butter Cookies are sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire.