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Butter cookies are a very classic favourite for which most associate the true flavour of homemade goodness. Known for their rich buttery flavour and delicate crumbly texture, these cookies suit any occasion-from quiet afternoons with warm cups of coffee to vibrant parties with people all around.
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Simple ingredients and extremely easy preparation make them perfect for bakers at all skill levels. Let's get started to learn the joyful process of making these scrumptious butter cookies that are sure to be incorporated into your recipe book collection.
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To get began with butter cookie making, you will need: 1 cup softened butter, 1 cup of white sugar, 1 large egg, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, 2 ⅔ cups of all-purpose flour, and ¼ teaspoon of salt.
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The quality of ingredients is key; using fresh unsalted butter and pure vanilla extract will do its part for that tastefulness and flavour.
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Start by having the oven preheated to 350 F (175 C). This allows you to be certain that your cookies will come out nicely cooked and with the perfect golden-brown finish we all crave.
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Now, let the oven warm up while you get a big bowl, add in the softened butter, and then use an electric mixer or a strong whisk to beat the butter until light and fluffy.
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This takes around 2-3 minutes in general. Working the butter into cream is important because it traps air, which will very much be there at the end, of the cookies.
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Add the white sugar to the bowl with your creamy butter. Continue to mix until the sugar is incorporated, and the mixture looks smooth. It is one of those steps that adds sweetness to the dough and contributes to its texture.
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Add the large egg and the 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract into the bowl. Mix everything else till just combined. The result of the egg is to ensure everything holds together while the warmth in flavour from the vanilla makes the cookies taste that much better.
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To get ready for the dry ingredients, combine the 2 ⅔ cups of all-purpose flour and ¼ teaspoon of salt in a separate bowl. This is the cookie dough: a straightforward mixture of flour and salt.
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Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed or folding it gently into the wet mixture with a spatula. Do not overmix; you just want to combine the ingredients enough so that they are combined. The dough is soft but can be manipulated. It should be one cohesive mixture, holding together well.
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Now it's time to shape your cookies. Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to measure out and roll the dough into small balls. Place these balls onto a lined baking sheet, leaving room between them so that they have room to spread during baking.
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For added decoration, press each ball slightly flat with the bottom of a glass or your fingers to make an appetizing crisscross pattern atop each.
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Put the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake the cookies for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centres should still look a little soft, but they will firm up as they cool. Keep an eye on the cookies, because the baking time may vary for you.
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Once they are done, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let cookies sit for a few minutes before transposing them to a wire rack to cool completely.
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When the cookies have cooled, the appetizingly enticing aroma will fill your kitchen, enticing people nearby. Butter cookies are particularly versatile and can be enjoyed plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or decorated with icing and used to carry a festive look.
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They complement a cup of tea or coffee and make for the perfect accompaniment to any gathering.
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The recipe of butter cookies is comfort food and fun to bake, bringing that homey feeling, especially during this time.
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They are an easy and simple cookie to make with the simplest ingredients, which assures pure happiness from everyone who tastes them, enjoying the bliss of baking and its heavenly output as every bite of butter cookie forms part of a celebration of sweet indulgence to be cherished with family and friends.