These World’s Best Butter Cookies are the epitome of simple, buttery perfection. With just a few ingredients, these cookies come out light, crisp, and delicious every time. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving something sweet, these butter cookies will always hit the spot.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour and baking powder. Gradually stir this mixture into the butter and sugar mixture until fully incorporated.
- Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls and place them onto ungreased cookie sheets.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Allow cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheets before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Add-ins: You can add chocolate chips, sprinkles, or chopped nuts to the dough for added texture and flavor.
- Flavor variations: Try adding almond extract or lemon zest to the dough for a different twist on the classic butter flavor.
- Decorating: Before baking, press sugar sprinkles or colored sugar on top of the dough balls for a festive touch.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: You can freeze the dough balls before baking. Just place them on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours. Afterward, transfer to a ziplock bag or airtight container. When ready to bake, place them on the cookie sheet and bake as usual, adding a couple of minutes to the cooking time.
- Reheating: To enjoy the cookies warm, reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 3-5 minutes.
10 FAQs
- Can I use margarine instead of butter? While margarine can be used, the cookies may not be as rich and flavorful as when made with real butter.
- Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking.
- Can I freeze these cookies? Yes, these cookies freeze well. Store them in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- What should I do if my dough is too sticky to roll? If your dough is sticky, refrigerate it for about 30 minutes before rolling into balls.
- How do I know when my butter cookies are done baking? The cookies should be golden brown on the edges but soft in the center. Check them around 8 minutes to avoid overbaking.
- Can I add chocolate chips to the dough? Yes, feel free to mix in chocolate chips or any other add-ins you like.
- Can I make these cookies smaller or larger? Yes, just adjust the baking time accordingly. Smaller cookies will bake faster, while larger ones will take a bit longer.
- Can I make these gluten-free? You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but the texture may vary.
- Why are my cookies spreading too much? If the dough is too soft, the cookies may spread too much. Chill the dough before baking to prevent this.
- What type of sugar can I use? For the best results, stick with white granulated sugar. Using brown sugar will give the cookies a different texture and flavor.
Conclusion
These World’s Best Butter Cookies are simple, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. With their crisp texture and buttery taste, they’re sure to become a favorite in your baking rotation. Whether you enjoy them plain or with a twist, these cookies never disappoint!