Vanilla Butter Cookies

Vanilla Butter Cookies Recipe - Made with All-Purpose Flour and Vanilla Extract from USA

Region / culture: USA | Servings: 12

Introduction

Vanilla Butter Cookies are a classic treat that are perfect for any occasion. These delicious cookies are buttery, sweet, and have a hint of vanilla flavor that is sure to please your taste buds. Whether you are baking them for a special event or just to enjoy at home, these cookies are sure to be a hit with everyone.

History

Butter cookies have been a popular treat for centuries, with recipes dating back to the Middle Ages. The addition of vanilla to these cookies adds a delicious twist to the traditional butter cookie recipe. Vanilla Butter Cookies are a timeless classic that have been enjoyed by people all over the world for generations.

Ingredients

1 cup of butter
1 cup of sugar
1 egg
1 tbsp of milk
1 tsp of vanilla extract
2.75 cups of all-purpose flour
1 tsp of baking powder
0.25 tsp of salt

How to prepare

Cream the butter and gradually add the sugar, beating until it becomes light and fluffy.
Beat in the egg, milk, and vanilla.
Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add the flour mixture to the creamed mixture.
Chill the dough for easier handling.
Roll out the dough to a thickness of 0.13 inches on a lightly floured surface.
Cut the dough into desired shapes using floured cookie cutters.
Bake the cookies on a cookie sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 8 to 10 minutes or until they are lightly browned.
Remove the cookies from the oven and transfer them to wire racks to cool.

Variations

Add lemon zest or almond extract for a different flavor profile.
Dip the cookies in melted chocolate for an extra decadent treat.
Sprinkle the cookies with colored sugar or sprinkles before baking for a festive touch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy to ensure a tender cookie.

- Chilling the dough before rolling it out will make it easier to handle and cut into shapes.

- Be sure to not overbake the cookies, as they can quickly become dry and crumbly.

- For a fun twist, try adding sprinkles or frosting to decorate the cookies after they have cooled.

Serving Suggestions

Vanilla Butter Cookies are perfect on their own, but can also be enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee. They make a great addition to any dessert platter or cookie exchange.

Cooking Techniques

Creaming the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy is key to a tender cookie.

- Chilling the dough before rolling it out will make it easier to handle and cut into shapes.

- Be sure to not overbake the cookies, as they can quickly become dry and crumbly.

Ingredient Substitutions

Margarine can be used in place of butter for a dairy-free option.

- Almond or soy milk can be used in place of regular milk for a dairy-free option.

- Gluten-free flour can be used in place of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free option.

Make Ahead Tips

The dough for Vanilla Butter Cookies can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply roll out the dough and bake the cookies when ready to enjoy.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange Vanilla Butter Cookies on a decorative platter or cookie tin for a beautiful presentation. Dust the cookies with powdered sugar or drizzle with icing for an extra special touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Vanilla Butter Cookies pair well with a variety of beverages, including tea, coffee, milk, or hot chocolate. They also go well with fresh fruit or a scoop of ice cream for a delicious dessert.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Vanilla Butter Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place the cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for a few minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Vanilla Butter Cookies contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Vanilla Butter Cookies contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Vanilla Butter Cookies contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Vanilla Butter Cookies contains approximately 1 gram of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Vanilla Butter Cookies do not contain significant amounts of vitamins or minerals.

Alergens

Vanilla Butter Cookies contain dairy (butter) and eggs.

Summary

Vanilla Butter Cookies are a delicious treat that are relatively low in protein and high in fat and carbohydrates. They are best enjoyed in moderation as a special treat.

Summary

Vanilla Butter Cookies are a classic treat that are perfect for any occasion. With their buttery, sweet flavor and hint of vanilla, these cookies are sure to be a hit with everyone. Whether you enjoy them on their own or with a cup of tea, these cookies are a delicious and timeless treat that are sure to please.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Vanilla Butter Cookies. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl eager to learn the art of cooking from my grandmother. She was a master in the kitchen, creating delicious dishes with ease and grace.

One day, as I sat at her kitchen table watching her mix ingredients together for her famous chocolate cake, I asked her if she could teach me how to bake. She smiled and nodded, reaching into a drawer and pulling out an old, worn recipe card. "This is one of my favorite recipes," she said. "Vanilla Butter Cookies. It's simple, but oh so delicious."

I eagerly took the recipe card from her hand, studying the ingredients and instructions with wide-eyed curiosity. Butter, sugar, vanilla extract, flour...it all seemed so basic, yet I could sense there was something special about this recipe.

My grandmother patiently guided me through the process, showing me how to cream the butter and sugar together until it was light and fluffy. She taught me the importance of sifting the flour to ensure a smooth, delicate texture. And when it came time to add the vanilla extract, she let me pour it in myself, watching as the sweet aroma filled the room.

As we rolled out the dough and cut it into perfect little circles, my grandmother shared stories of how she had learned the recipe from her own grandmother, who had passed it down through generations. She spoke of how she had tweaked the recipe over the years, adding a pinch of salt here and a touch of lemon zest there, until it was just right.

Finally, as we placed the cookies in the oven and watched them bake to a golden perfection, my grandmother handed me a freshly baked cookie to taste. The buttery, melt-in-your-mouth goodness was unlike anything I had ever experienced. It was then that I knew this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen for years to come.

Over the years, I have made these Vanilla Butter Cookies countless times, each batch bringing back memories of that day in my grandmother's kitchen. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on the tradition of baking these simple yet delicious treats.

As I sit here now, reflecting on that day so long ago, I am filled with gratitude for my grandmother and the knowledge she imparted to me. Cooking has become not just a hobby, but a passion, and it all started with a recipe for Vanilla Butter Cookies. I am forever grateful for the time spent in that kitchen, learning from the best cook I have ever known. And as I continue to bake these cookies for years to come, I will always remember the sense of wonder and joy that first inspired me to pick up a mixing bowl and a whisk.