Description
Classic buttery cookies that are crisp on the edges and tender in the center. Made with simple ingredients like flour, butter, sugar, and vanilla, these butter cookies are perfect for tea time or festive occasions. The dough is chilled to enhance flavor and texture, then rolled in sanding sugar for a delightful crunch.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (240g)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup sanding sugar or coarse sugar (66g)
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (227g)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (100g)
- 2 large egg yolks
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Beat butter, sugar, and salt: In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and salt together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add egg yolks and vanilla: Add the egg yolks and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix until well combined, stopping occasionally to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is even.
- Incorporate flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the mixture and mix on low speed just until the dough comes together. The dough will be soft.
- Knead the dough: Dump the dough onto a floured surface. Flour your hands as needed and knead the dough a few times until it forms a single, solid ball. Shape the dough into a long log about 12 inches in length.
- Chill the dough: Wrap the dough log tightly in parchment paper or plastic wrap, twisting the ends to seal. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or up to 72 hours to firm it up.
- Preheat oven and prepare baking sheets: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Coat dough in sanding sugar: Sprinkle sanding sugar on a clean surface or on the edge of a baking sheet. Unwrap the chilled dough and roll it onto the sanding sugar, pressing down gently to ensure the sugar sticks and coats the entire surface.
- Slice cookies: Using a sharp knife, cut the sugar-coated dough into slices about ¾-inch thick. Place the slices on the prepared baking sheets, arranging them about one inch apart.
- Bake the cookies: Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges just begin to turn golden brown.
- Cool the cookies: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool completely on the baking sheets before serving or storing.
Notes
- Chilling the dough is essential for texture and ease of slicing.
- Use sanding sugar for coating to add a crunchy texture and sparkle.
- Ensure the butter is softened for easier mixing but not melted.
- Slice the cookies evenly for uniform baking.
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container to maintain crispness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: butter cookies, classic cookies, buttery cookies, homemade cookies, baking, dessert
