Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter , softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: colored sugar , sprinkles , or chocolate drizzle for decorating
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) . Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
- Beat in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until fully combined.
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt .
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
- Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a star tip (or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off).
- Pipe the dough into small circular or S-shaped designs onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1–2 inches apart.
- If piping is too difficult, roll the dough into small balls, flatten slightly with a fork, and press lightly with a glass to create ridges.
Step 5: Decorate and Bake
- Optional: Sprinkle the cookies with colored sugar or sprinkles before baking.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes , or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain pale. Be careful not to overbake—they should stay soft and tender.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6: Optional Chocolate Drizzle
- Melt semi-sweet chocolate chips or candy melts in the microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Drizzle the melted chocolate over the cooled cookies using a spoon or piping bag for an elegant touch.
Tips and Variations
- Add Lemon or Almond Flavor: Substitute the vanilla extract with lemon zest or almond extract for a unique twist.
- Make Ahead: The dough can be made ahead of time, shaped into logs, wrapped in plastic wrap, and refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage. Slice and bake as needed.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months .
- Double Duty: Use the same dough to make thumbprint cookies by pressing a small indentation into the center and filling with jam or chocolate.
Why You’ll Love These Cookies
- Buttery Perfection: The rich, buttery flavor shines through in every bite.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples, these cookies are easy to whip up anytime.
- Versatile: Customize with flavors, decorations, or toppings to suit any occasion.
- Perfect for Gifting: Their elegant appearance makes them ideal for holiday tins or cookie exchanges.
- Kid-Friendly: Kids love helping pipe, decorate, and eat these sweet treats.
These Butter Cookies truly live up to their name as the World’s Best . Crisp on the edges, tender in the middle, and bursting with buttery goodness, they’re a timeless classic that everyone will adore. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just yourself, these cookies are guaranteed to disappear quickly!