Ingredients:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup powdered sugar

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 cup chocolate chips or nuts (optional, for variation)

Sprinkles or colored sugar (for decoration, optional)

Preparing the Dough

Now that we have our ingredients ready, lets dive into the process of making these delightful butter cookies. The first step is to prepare the dough.

In a large mixing bowl, add the softened butter. Its important that the butter is at room temperature so it can cream well with the sugars.

Using an electric mixer or a wooden spoon, beat the butter until its creamy and smooth. This should take about 2-3 minutes.

Next, add the granulated sugar and powdered sugar to the bowl. Continue to beat the mixture until its light and fluffy, which usually takes another 2-3 minutes.

Now, its time to add the flavorings. Pour in the vanilla extract and almond extract (if using). Mix until everything is well combined.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. This step ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. I like to do this in three parts, mixing well after each addition. This helps to avoid any flour clouds and ensures a smooth dough.

If youre adding chocolate chips or nuts, fold them into the dough at this point. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently incorporate them without overmixing.

Once the dough is well combined, it should be soft but not sticky. If it feels too sticky, you can add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach the right consistency.

Chilling the Dough

Chilling the dough is a crucial step that helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking. Heres how to do it:

Divide the dough into two equal portions. This makes it easier to handle and roll out later.

Shape each portion into a log, about 1.5 inches in diameter. Wrap each log tightly in plastic wrap.

Place the wrapped logs in the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour. If youre short on time, you can chill them for as little as 30 minutes, but longer is better for flavor and texture.

Prepping for Baking

While the dough is chilling, its a great time to prepare your baking sheets and preheat the oven.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the cookies bake evenly.

Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents the cookies from sticking and makes for easy cleanup.

Shaping and Baking the Cookies

Once the dough is chilled, we can shape and bake our cookies!

Remove one log of dough from the refrigerator. Unwrap it and place it on a clean cutting board.

Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 1/4-inch thick rounds. You can adjust the thickness based on your preference, but keep in mind that thicker cookies will take longer to bake.

Place the sliced cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading.

If you want to add a decorative touch, sprinkle some colored sugar or sprinkles on top of each cookie before baking.

Repeat the slicing process with the second log of dough.

Once all the cookies are on the baking sheets, place them in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want the edges to

Conclusion:

In summary, these Perfect Butter Cookies are an absolute must-try for anyone who loves a delightful treat that melts in your mouth. The simplicity of the ingredients combined with the rich, buttery flavor makes them a timeless classic that can be enjoyed by all ages. Whether youre baking for a special occasion, a holiday gathering, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, these cookies are sure to impress. For serving suggestions, consider pairing these cookies with a warm cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon snack. You can also get creative with variationstry adding chocolate chips, nuts, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top for an extra flavor boost. If youre feeling adventurous, experiment with different extracts like almond or lemon to give your cookies a unique twist. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and experience the joy of baking these Perfect Butter Cookies yourself. Once youve made them, Id love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts, any variations you tried, or even a photo of your delicious creations. Lets spread the love for these cookies together! Happy baking! Print