I spent some time mixing softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract together with all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt. I proudly arranged these treats on my Holiday Cookie Tray, knowing they would bring smiles to family and friends. Simply irresistible.

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I’ve been experimenting with a recipe that promises to be the star of any Christmas treat platter and I know you’ll love it too. I mixed 1 cup unsalted butter that’s perfectly softened with 2/3 cup granulated sugar and a teaspoon of vanilla extract for that classic flavor kick.

Then I gradually folded in 2 to 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt to help pull everything together. I gotta admit, when I was testing it out, I was reminded of those fun times doing holiday baking with kids and whipping up cookie trays for Christmas.

It’s easy to adjust the flour based on your dough consistency so there’s a bit of room for experimentation. Crafting these cookies brought some cool Christmas treats to share with family and friends and I’m excited for you to try them out and see all the oohhs and aahhs yourself!

Why I Like this Recipe

I really like this recipe cause it’s super easy to make and always turns out buttery and delicious. I love how the simple ingredients mix together so well, and even when i mess up a little, the cookies still come out great. I also like making these with my family during the holidays; it fills the house with an amazing smell and creates fun memories. Plus, every time we have guests, i get compliments on how perfect these cookies are, which always makes me feel proud.

Ingredients

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Unsalted butter is key for rich, tender cookies and a meltable, yummy texture.
Sugar adds a burst of sweetness and helps the cookies get a golden, crunchy edge.
Vanilla extract boosts flavor and gives the cookies a warm, inviting aroma.
All-purpose flour builds structure, providing carbohydrates for that proper, chewy bite.
Salt lifts and balances the flavors, making every bite more satisfying.
Softened butter offers pure richness without extra salt messing up the taste.
Adjust flour to get a soft, workable dough that holds together well.
Granulated sugar also helps with cookie spread and creates a pleasing texture.
Vanilla extract’s aroma really enhances the overall cookie experience.
These ingredients unite to form a timeless, comforting cookie treat.
They work in perfect, balanced harmony for an awesome, irresistible bite.

Ingredient Quantities

1 cup unsalted butter (softened, about 227 grams)

2/3 cup granulated sugar (roughly 134 grams)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 to 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (adjust for dough consistency)

1/4 teaspoon salt

How to Make this

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1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.

3. Stir in the teaspoon of vanilla extract and the 1/4 teaspoon salt until well mixed.

4. Gradually add about 2 cups of all-purpose flour and mix to form a soft dough; if the dough still seems too sticky, add up to an additional 1/2 cup flour until it’s just right.

5. Wrap the dough in plastic or cover it with a bowl and let it chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes to firm up.

6. Once chilled, roll small balls of dough (about 1 tablespoon each) between your palms to form even round cookies.

7. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving plenty of space between each cookie.

8. Gently press down each dough ball with the bottom of a glass or your finger to slightly flatten them.

9. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, until their edges just start turning a light golden colour, then remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack. Enjoy your cookies with lots of family and friends!

Equipment Needed

1. An oven to bake your cookies
2. A baking sheet lined with parchment paper
3. A large bowl for creaming the butter and sugar
4. Measuring cups and spoons for the butter, sugar, vanilla, salt and flour
5. A mixer or a sturdy spoon for mixing the dough
6. Plastic wrap or a bowl cover to chill your dough
7. A refrigerator to cool the dough
8. A glass (or something similar) to gently press down the cookie dough balls
9. A wire rack to cool the cookies after baking

FAQ

Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

A: It's best to use unsalted butter cause that way you can control the saltiness yourself. Using salted might make the cookies too salty sometimes.

Q: How do I know if my dough's too sticky or too dry?

A: If the dough sticks to your hands like it’s on a hot day, add a little more flour. If it seems dry and crumbly then mix in a tiny bit of melted butter or milk to help it bind.

Q: Is there any way to make these cookies a little softer?

A: You can try not overbaking them. Take them out of the oven when the edges are slightly golden and let 'em cool on the tray for a few minutes before moving them to a rack.

Q: How long can I store these butter cookies?

A: Store them in an airtight container. They should last for about a week at room temprature, but if you want them longer, put them in the fridge.

Q: Can I add any flavors besides vanilla?

A: Sure, you can experiment with lemon zest, almond extract, or even a pinch of cinnamon for a different twist. Just be careful not to add too much, or it'll change the texture.

Butter Cookies Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Butter: If you run out of unsalted butter, you can use margarine or vegetable shortening, but the flavor might be a bit different.
Sugar: Instead of granulated sugar, you might try using powdered sugar or even a small portion of brown sugar for a chewier texture.
Vanilla Extract: Almond extract or maple syrup can be cool alternatives, just use less since their flavors are more intense.
Flour: In place of all-purpose flour, you can experiment with whole wheat flour or a gluten free blend, though you might need a bit more liquid to get the right dough consistency.
Salt: If you dont have table salt, a pinch of sea salt or kosher salt should do the trick, but keep in mind they vary in strength.

Pro Tips

1. Make sure your butter is soft enough to mix easily but not so melted that it makes your dough too runny. If it’s too soft, your cookies might spread more than you want.
2. Add your flour slowly and mix just until everything comes together. Overmixing can make the cookies tough and dry.
3. Don’t skip the chilling step – even though 30 minutes might seem short, it really helps the dough firm up so you can shape your cookies better.
4. Keep a close eye on the cookies while baking. Every oven is different so check them a minute or two before the timer goes off to prevent overbaking.