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Classic Melt-in-Your-Mouth Butter Cookies

A pile of freshly baked, star-shaped butter cookies sprinkled with sugar on a white plate.

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A simple recipe for classic butter cookies that yield a tender, rich vanilla flavor. You can pipe or scoop these cookies.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
  3. Beat in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until combined.
  4. Gradually add the flour and salt. Mix on low speed until just combined into a soft dough. Do not overmix.
  5. For piped cookies: Transfer the dough to a pastry bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe desired shapes onto the prepared baking sheets.
  6. For scooped cookies: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Flatten slightly with a fork if desired.
  7. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
  8. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, use high-quality European-style butter.
  • If you prefer a firmer cookie, chill the dough for 30 minutes before piping or scooping.
  • You can dip the cooled cookies halfway into melted chocolate for variation.

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