Butter cookies

Butter cookies – a classic delicacy, perfect for any occasion!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Chilling time: 1 hour
Baking time: 10 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 25 minutes
Servings: 20 cookies

Butter cookies are a wonderful choice for a sweet snack, a quick dessert that can be enjoyed alongside a cup of tea or coffee. This simple and quick recipe is ideal for beginners, but also for those with experience who want to make something delicious and comforting. Butter cookies are a true symbol of comfort, often associated with pleasant childhood memories and joyful moments spent with family.

Necessary ingredients:

- 200 g of unsalted butter, at room temperature (make sure it is of good quality, as the taste of the cookies depends a lot on the butter)
- 60 g powdered sugar (for a fine texture and balanced sweetness)
- 1 packet (or 8 g) vanilla sugar (for the unmistakable vanilla aroma)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla essence or extract (optional, but recommended for an extra flavor)
- 260 g flour (use good quality white flour for the best results)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (to balance the sweetness)

Step by step: Preparing butter cookies

1. Beat the butter: Start by placing the room-temperature butter in a large bowl. Using an electric mixer or a spatula, beat the butter until creamy and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This is the moment when the butter will release its aroma, so enjoy its scent!

2. Add sugar and vanilla: Continue by adding the powdered sugar and vanilla sugar. Beat the mixture for 2 minutes, until well combined and forms a smooth paste. The vanilla aroma should become increasingly intense.

3. Mix the dry ingredients: In another bowl, combine the flour with the salt. This step is essential, as the salt will help enhance the flavors and achieve a perfect texture.

4. Incorporate the flour: Add the flour mixture over the beaten butter and mix well with a spatula or the mixer on low speed to avoid flour splatter. You should get a dough that is soft but compact.

5. Chilling: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour. This step is important as it helps to firm up the butter, making the cookies easier to shape.

6. Shaping the dough: After an hour, take the dough out of the fridge and place it on a floured work surface. Roll the dough into a sheet about 5 mm thick. Use a rolling pin to achieve an even thickness.

7. Cutting the cookies: Using cookie cutters or a knife, cut the dough into the desired shapes. You can opt for classic shapes like circles, squares, or stars. Be creative!

8. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between them. Bake the cookies for 10 minutes or until the edges become slightly golden. You will be delighted by the aroma that will fill your kitchen!

9. Cooling and decorating: Once out of the oven, let the cookies cool on a rack. After they have completely cooled, you can decorate them as you like – either with a fine glaze of powdered sugar and water or by sprinkling powdered sugar on top.

Helpful tips for perfect cookies:

- Make sure the butter is at room temperature for better incorporation into the mixture.
- Do not skip the chilling step; it is crucial for achieving cookies with a perfect texture.
- Experiment with different flavors by adding lemon or orange zest to the dough.
- You can also add chocolate chips or nuts for a more decadent version.

Nutritional information:

Each butter cookie contains about 90 calories, making it a good choice for a moderate snack. Butter cookies are rich in healthy fats from butter, and the flour contains essential carbohydrates for energy.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use reduced-fat butter?
We recommend using full-fat butter for a better texture. Reduced-fat butter can make the cookies drier.

2. How can I tell when the cookies are done?
The cookies are done when the edges are golden, but the center is still soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool.

3. What can I do with leftover cookies?
The cookies store well in an airtight container for up to a week. You can also freeze them to enjoy later.

Serving and variations:

These butter cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee, but you can also enjoy them alongside ice cream or caramel sauce for a more special dessert.

Butter cookies are a versatile recipe that can be customized according to your preferences. Whether you choose to decorate them with chocolate or add aromatic spices, these cookies will always bring a smile to the faces of those who taste them. So, get ready to enjoy a sweet moment and impress your friends and family with this simple butter cookie recipe!

 Ingredients: - 200 g butter at room temperature - 60 g powdered sugar - 1 packet vanilla sugar - 1 teaspoon vanilla essence or extract - 260 g flour - 1/2 teaspoon salt