Butter Cookies

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Intensity: Easy

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Optional toppings: colored sugar, sprinkles, chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, using a hand mixer or stand mixer.
3. Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Mix Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until a smooth dough forms.
6. Shape Cookies: Roll the cookie dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie for spreading.
7. Decorate (Optional): Flatten each cookie slightly with the palm of your hand. If desired, sprinkle colored sugar, sprinkles, or press chocolate chips gently into the tops of the cookies for decoration.
8. Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Be careful not to overbake.
9. Cool: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for 5 minutes. Then, transfer the cookies to wire racks to cool completely.
10. Store: Once cooled, store the butter cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
11. Enjoy: Serve these delicious butter cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite hot beverage for a classic treat!

Nutrition (per cookie, without optional toppings):

• Calories: 120 kcal
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 7g
• Sodium: 30mg

Note: Butter cookies are versatile and can be customized with different toppings and flavors. Get creative and try adding lemon zest, almond extract, or cocoa powder to the dough for variation. These cookies also make wonderful gifts or party favors when packaged in pretty bags or boxes.