Butter is a delicious ingredient that enhances the flavor of just about any food. So, it's no wonder that the butter cookie has become such a popular and delightful treat. Butter cookies, also known as Brysselkex, Sables, or Danish biscuits, are unleavened cookies that are made with a simple combination of butter, flour, and sugar. They are crisp to bite into and categorized as a ‘crisp cookie.'
Traditionally made with vanilla flavoring, butter cookies are also made with other variations such as chocolate and coconut as well. And for added sweetness, they are sometimes topped with sugar. Butter cookies come in a variety of shapes including circle, square, oval, and even pretzel forms. They can also be done in marbled or checkered patterns, or simply left plain.
When we think of butter cookies, they are almost synonymous with the iconic Royal Dansk brand. Although the name might not conjure memories, one look at their signature royal blue tin with a picture of their farmhouse is sure to jog your memory. Royal Dansk tins have become a staple during Christmas, a time of year when butter cookies are often served and savored. While many try to replicate Royal Dansk's delicious formula, butter cookies, in general, are pretty basic although the use of high-quality butter is key.
Creating your own batch of cookies is pretty straightforward. Once you have your ingredients together, you only need to combine, chill and bake. Of course, you can get creative by making cookies in various flavors that will appeal to your hungry bunch.
Butter cookies are a treat that has been around for many years and they don’t seem to be going anywhere soon. And while we may wonder why the recipe has endured for so long, it may simply be the fact that we all love the taste of butter, sugar, and fat. These classic, old-fashioned cookies are a delightful treat that everyone will love. So, be sure to make enough fo ra crown, because one thing is for sure — they won't last long!
Butter Cookies
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 sticks (1 cup) butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
Directions:
1. Whisk together flour and baking powder in a small bowl.
2. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer at medium-high speed (preferably fitted with a paddle attachment for a standing mixer), beat together butter and sugar until pale and fluffy. This should take about 3 minutes in a standing mixer or 6 minutes with a handheld mixer. Beat in the egg and vanilla. Reduce speed to low, then add flour mixture and mix until just combined.
3. Form the dough into a 12-inch roll, approximately 2 inches in diameter, on a sheet of plastic wrap. Roll the dough tightly in the plastic wrap and chill for at least 4 hours or until firm.
4. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
5. Slice the chilled dough roll into 1/4-inch-thick slices and place on large baking sheets about 1 inch apart.
6. Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown. Allow them to cool on on the baking sheets for 3 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks.
Whether you're looking to bring these cookies to a holiday party or you're looking to try to recreate this iconic butter cookie recipe, these treats are sure to be a hit. So, grab your ingredients, and let's get baking!
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The image featured at the top of this post is ©merrymuuu/Shutterstock.com.