These Vanilla Butter Cookies are rich, buttery, and perfectly sweet. With a melt-in-your-mouth texture, these cookies are simple to make and ideal for tea time or gifting. The dough is easy to prepare and can be shaped into beautiful patterns, adding a touch of elegance to this classic treat.
Preparation Time
Total Time: 40 minutes (including baking time)
Active Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
Butter: 200 g, softened (for cookie dough)
Sugar: 60 g
Flour: 280 g, sifted
Salt: a pinch
Vanilla Sugar: 10 g
Cornstarch: 65 g, sifted
Instructions
Make the Dough
Cream Butter:
In a mixing bowl, add 200 g of softened butter. Stir until smooth.
Add Sugar:
Mix in 60 g of sugar and continue stirring until fully combined.
Add Vanilla and Salt:
Add a pinch of salt and 10 g of vanilla sugar. Mix thoroughly with a hand mixer.
Incorporate Cornstarch:
Gradually add 65 g of sifted cornstarch in batches, mixing well after each addition until the dough is smooth.
Add Flour:
Sift in 190 g of flour in batches, mixing with a hand mixer until a soft dough forms.
Prepare the Cookies
Portion Dough:
Knead the dough briefly, then divide it into portions.
Form Cookies:
Place dough in a piping bag fitted with a decorative tip. Pipe out cookies onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, creating desired shapes.
Prepare the Dough:
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add Egg and Vanilla: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
Add Flour and Salt: Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Chill the Dough:
Shape and Chill: Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape during baking.
Roll and Cut:
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Shape Cookies: Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes, or roll the dough into small balls and flatten slightly for round cookies.
Bake:
Bake: Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spaced about an inch apart, and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn light golden brown.
Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips and Variations
Flavor Additions: Add a dash of almond extract, lemon zest, or sprinkle sugar on top before baking for extra flavor.
Decorate: Dip in melted chocolate, drizzle with icing, or dust with powdered sugar once cooled.
Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
These Vanilla Butter Cookies are rich, buttery, and have a subtle vanilla flavor – perfect for tea time, holiday treats, or gifting!
Bake the Cookies
Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F).
Bake:
Bake the cookies for 10 minutes or until they are slightly golden around the edges.
Optional Finishing Touches
Roll in Sugar:
After baking, you can roll some cookies in additional sugar for a sweet, crunchy coating.
Patterned Cookies:
For a decorative touch, press the dough gently with a patterned tool or fork before baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with coffee or tea for a classic pairing.
Dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate for an added treat.
Pair with fresh berries for a touch of tartness.
Serve as a dessert platter with other holiday cookies.
Gift in a tin for festive occasions.
Cooking Tips
Ensure butter is softened for easier mixing.
Sift flour and cornstarch to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth dough.
Chill dough for 10 minutes if it becomes too soft to pipe.
Use a piping bag with a large tip to create beautiful patterns.
Monitor baking time closely; cookies should be lightly golden.
Nutritional Benefits
Butter: Adds rich flavor and a creamy texture.
Cornstarch: Creates a tender, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
Vanilla Sugar: Enhances sweetness naturally.
Dietary Information
Vegetarian: Contains no meat or fish.
Nut-Free: Safe for those with nut allergies.
Egg-Free: No eggs used in this recipe.
Nutritional Facts (Per Cookie Estimate)
Calories: ~90 kcal
Carbohydrates: 10 g
Fat: 5 g
Protein: 1 g
Sugar: 3 g
Storage
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Freeze for longer storage, up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Classic Flavor: Buttery and vanilla-scented, a timeless favorite.
Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
Beautiful Presentation: Easy to pipe and shape into beautiful designs.
Customizable: Add a touch of lemon zest or dip in chocolate for variety.
Perfect for Gifting: These cookies are lovely as homemade gifts.|
Variations and Customization
Flavor Enhancements: Add a dash of almond or coconut extract for a twist. For a zesty touch, mix in lemon or orange zest.
Decorations:
Continued on the next page
Icing: Once cooled, you can decorate the cookies with royal icing, which adds a sweet glaze that hardens beautifully.
Chocolate: Dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate and let them set for a touch of elegance.
Sprinkles: Add sprinkles before baking or after icing for a festive look.
Shape Options: Roll into small balls, flatten with a fork for a classic round shape, or use festive cookie cutters for themed cookies.
Storage and Make-Ahead Options
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Freezing Dough: You can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. Thaw in the fridge before baking.
Freezing Baked Cookies: Freeze fully baked and cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers for up to a month.
Conclusion
These Vanilla Butter Cookies are a perfect addition to any occasion, offering a buttery, crumbly texture with a delicate vanilla flavor. Their ease of preparation and versatility make them a go-to treat for celebrations or quiet tea time at home. Enjoy making, serving, and sharing these delightful cookies!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use vanilla extract instead of vanilla sugar?
Yes, substitute with 1/2 tsp of vanilla extract for a similar flavor.
Can I add other flavors to the cookies?
Yes, add lemon zest, almond extract, or spices like cinnamon for variety.
How can I make the cookies crispier?
Bake for an additional 2-3 minutes or until golden brown for a crisper texture.
Can I decorate the cookies with icing?
Yes, after cooling, drizzle with icing or melted chocolate.
How can I keep the dough from being too sticky?
If the dough becomes sticky, chill it for 10-15 minutes before piping.
