World’s Best Butter Cookies Recipe

Introduction

These World’s Best Butter Cookies are delightfully crisp, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Perfect for any occasion, they are simple to make and sure to impress family and friends.

Ingredients

• 8 oz unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 large egg yolk
• 2 cups all-purpose flour

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, sugar, salt, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
2. Step 2: Add the egg yolk and mix thoroughly until fully combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
3. Step 3: Gradually add the flour to the mixture, stirring gently until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix.
4. Step 4: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead gently a few times to smooth it out, then shape into a log.
5. Step 5: Wrap the dough log tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to firm up. You can also freeze it for later use.
6. Step 6: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. Step 7: Slice the chilled dough into rounds about ⅛-inch thick and place them approximately 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.
8. Step 8: Bake the cookies for 16–18 minutes, or until the edges just begin to turn golden brown.
9. Step 9: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack before serving or storing.

Tips & Variations

• Use high-quality European butter for the richest flavor and best texture.
• Avoid overbaking; the cookies will firm up as they cool, so remove them as soon as the edges begin to turn golden.
• For a twist, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or finely chopped nuts to the dough before chilling.
• Wrap cookies in decorative tins to make charming holiday or gift treats.

Storage

Store the cooled butter cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, keep them frozen in a sealed container for up to three months. To refresh, warm briefly in a low oven or let come to room temperature before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce the added salt to avoid making the cookies too salty.

How thin should I slice the dough for the cookies?

Slicing the dough into ⅛-inch thick rounds ensures even baking and a crisp texture, so try to keep the slices as uniform as possible.

World’s Best Butter Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 85 reviews

These World’s Best Butter Cookies are delightfully crisp and buttery, perfect for any occasion from holiday cookie platters to everyday treats. Made with simple ingredients like high-quality butter, sugar, and vanilla, these cookies offer a classic, melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich flavor. Easy to prepare, they are sliced from a chilled log-shaped dough and baked to golden perfection.

• Author: Lisa
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 16-18 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: About 30 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Butter Cookie Dough

• 8 oz unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 large egg yolk
• 2 cups all-purpose flour

Instructions

1. Prepare the Butter Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, salt, and vanilla extract together until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. This creates the rich buttery base for the cookies. Add the egg yolk and continue mixing until fully combined, scraping down the bowl as necessary to ensure even mixing.
2. Incorporate the Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients, mixing just until the flour is fully incorporated. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cookies tender and delicate.
3. Knead and Chill the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently a few times until smooth. Shape the dough into a log, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to firm up the dough. You can also freeze it for future use.
4. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
5. Slice the Dough: Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator and slice it into 1/8-inch thick rounds using a sharp knife. Place the cookies about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets to allow for even heat circulation.
6. Bake the Cookies: Bake the sliced cookies for 16 to 18 minutes, or until the edges just begin to turn golden. Watch closely to avoid overbaking, as the cookies will firm up more as they cool.
7. Cool and Serve: Transfer the baked cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing. This ensures they crisp up perfectly and maintain their buttery flavor.

Notes

• Use high-quality European butter for the best flavor and texture.
• Avoid overbaking as the cookies continue to firm up while cooling, preserving their crispness.
• These cookies are perfect for holiday gift tins, Christmas cookie platters, or as delightful everyday treats.
• The dough can be frozen after shaping into a log for convenient future baking.

Keywords: butter cookies, classic cookies, holiday cookies, Christmas cookies, easy cookie recipe, buttery cookies