There is a quiet elegance in the delicate simplicity of butter cookies, buttery morsels that melt upon the tongue, evoking memories of cozy kitchens and gentle laughter. The air becomes infused with the sweet scent of vanilla, each bite a reminder of home and warmth. In this moment, create not just cookies, but moments frozen in time, perfect for sharing or savoring in solitude.
Why make this recipe
Crafting butter cookies is a tender ritual, one that invites the baker to engage with each ingredient as a note in a cherished melody. The harmony of soft butter and sweetened condensed milk, combined with a gentle dusting of powdered sugar, brings forth a cookie that is both rich and ethereal. These cookies are a testimony to the beauty of simplicity, a delightful whisper of sweetness that brings joy to any gathering or quiet evening.
How to make Butter Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- Optional: 2 tablespoons cornstarch for extra tenderness
Directions:
Begin your journey by preheating your oven to a warm embrace of 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper, creating a blank canvas for your delicate creations. In a large mixing bowl, invite the softened butter to dance, beating it until it becomes a cloud—light, airy, and fluffy, a feat achieved in about three gentle minutes.
With a whisper of sweetness, add the sweetened condensed milk and a splash of vanilla extract, blending until the mixture sings with smoothness. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, powdered sugar, salt, and, should you wish for an additional layer of tenderness, the cornstarch. Gradually introduce this dry medley to the buttery mixture, stirring on low or with tender hands, until a soft and inviting dough takes shape.
Scoop small, delightful balls of dough—each about an inch in diameter. Roll them gently, treating them as fragile treasures, and place them two inches apart on your parchment-lined baking sheets. With a light press of your palm or the tines of a fork, create a classic cookie pattern, a gentle pun on beauty itself.
Bake these sweet gems for 10-12 minutes, when the bottoms turn a soft golden hue, whispering of warmth and indulgence. Once completed, allow them to cool entirely on a rack, your patience rewarded by their delicate form. If you desire an ethereal finish, dust them with powdered sugar, as if bestowing a winter’s kiss upon each one.
How to serve Butter Cookies
Present your butter cookies on a polished platter, either alone or accompanied by a steaming cup of tea or coffee. They possess a quiet sophistication, perfect for elegant gatherings or simple family breakfasts. Each cookie invites a moment of pause and gratitude, encouraging connections over shared bites.
How to store Butter Cookies
To preserve the fresh allure of your butter cookies, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will maintain their delicate texture for about a week, though it’s unlikely they will last that long. Alternatively, for longer storage, these dainty delights can be frozen, wrapped tightly in cling film, and brought back to life with a simple warming in the oven.
Tips to make Butter Cookies
- Ensure your butter is sufficiently softened to room temperature; this allows for the perfect incorporation of air, leading to a fluffier end result.
- For an indulgent variation, consider adding a touch of lemon zest or almond extract to the mix for a fragrant twist.
- If you prefer a crunchier texture, replace some of the all-purpose flour with cornstarch to achieve that ideal melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
Variations
- Chocolate chip butter cookies: folding in a cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips transforms these cookies into a decadent treat.
- Nutty butter cookies: adding chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, can provide a satisfying crunch and a wealth of flavor.
FAQs
-
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can, but remember to adjust the salt accordingly to avoid an overly salty flavor. -
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can refrigerate or freeze the dough for future baking, allowing the convenience of freshly baked cookies whenever your heart desires. -
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough feels too sticky, a dusting of flour on your hands and the work surface should help manage the consistency, allowing for easier shaping.
In the quiet folds of your kitchen, as the aroma of butter cookies fills the air, remember that baking is an art—one that thrives in patience and love, offering beauty not only in the creation but in the cherished moments shared.
Butter Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Add the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract, blending until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, powdered sugar, salt, and optional cornstarch.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Scoop small balls of dough (about 1 inch in diameter) and roll them gently.
- Place the balls on prepared baking sheets, two inches apart, and press them lightly to flatten.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly golden.
- Allow them to cool on a rack before dusting with powdered sugar, if desired.