World’s Best Butter Cookies Recipe

These rich, buttery cookies are melt-in-your-mouth delicious, featuring a perfectly crisp edge and a soft, tender center. Whether enjoyed with a cup of tea, used as a base for sandwich cookies, or gifted in elegant tins, these cookies are guaranteed to be a favorite. The secret lies in using high-quality butter, which gives them their signature flavor and texture. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create bakery-style butter cookies right at home!

Ingredients:

For the Butter Cookie Dough:

• 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for extra tenderness)

For Optional Toppings:

• ½ cup melted chocolate (for dipping)
• ¼ cup chopped nuts (almonds, pecans, or hazelnuts)
• ¼ cup powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions:

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and sugar together using a hand or stand mixer.
2. Continue beating for 3–5 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color.

Step 2: Add Egg and Vanilla

1. Crack the egg into the bowl and mix until fully incorporated.
2. Stir in vanilla extract for an enhanced, aromatic flavor.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and cornstarch.
2. Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture, stirring gently until a smooth dough forms.

Step 4: Shape the Cookies

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Roll the dough into small 1-inch balls or pipe it into shapes using a star-tipped pastry bag.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

1. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown.
2. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 6: Add Finishing Touches

1. Dip in melted chocolate and sprinkle with chopped nuts for an elegant finish.
2. Dust with powdered sugar for a classic touch.

Tips for Perfect Butter Cookies:

• Use high-quality butter for maximum flavor.
• Don’t overmix the dough to maintain a tender texture.
• Chill the dough for 30 minutes if it feels too soft to shape.
• Store properly in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to a week.

These cookies are simple, indulgent, and effortlessly elegant! Want ideas for unique flavors or festive variations? Let’s get creative.