Grandma's Secret Butter Cookies (Printable Version)
Tender, buttery cookies with delicate sweetness. Perfect companion for tea time or festive gatherings.
# What You'll Need:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
→ Wet Ingredients
03 - 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
04 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
05 - 1 large egg yolk
06 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
→ Optional Finishing
07 - 1/4 cup powdered sugar, for dusting
# Directions:
01 - Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and salt until well combined.
03 - In a large bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
04 - Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated into the butter mixture.
05 - Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until the dough comes together. Do not overmix.
06 - Roll tablespoonfuls of dough into balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
07 - Gently press each ball with the tines of a fork or the bottom of a glass to flatten slightly.
08 - Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just turning golden. Do not overbake.
09 - Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
10 - Dust cooled cookies lightly with powdered sugar, if desired.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- These cookies have that magical quality of being substantial yet literally melting away on your tongue
- The recipe comes together in under 30 minutes but tastes like something that took all afternoon
02 -
- Overbaking by even one minute transforms these from tender to crunchy, so set a timer
- Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking helps them hold their shape if your kitchen is warm
03 -
- Room temperature butter should leave a slight indent when pressed but not feel greasy
- The egg white can be saved for brushing on pastry or added to scrambled eggs