Butter cookies

Butter Cookies – The most tender cookies you've ever eaten! Who doesn't love tender cookies? These buttery delights are perfectly sweet and simply melt in your mouth, bringing a touch of joy with every bite. It's a simple and quick recipe, ideal for preparing during the week, but also for special occasions like holidays or gatherings with friends. Let's discover together how to make the most delicious butter cookies! Preparation time: 15 minutes Baking time: 10-15 minutes Total time: 25-30 minutes Number of servings: Approximately 24 cookies Ingredients: - 1 cup of room temperature butter (about 227 g) - 1/2 cup granulated sugar (about 100 g) - 2 1/4 cups sifted flour (about 280 g) - 1 egg - 1 packet of vanilla sugar (about 10 g) - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - A pinch of salt Brief history of cookies Cookies have a long history, with roots that go back to ancient times. It is said that the first recipes appeared in antiquity, made from a mixture of flour and water, then baked on stone slabs. Over time, they evolved and were enriched with various ingredients such as sugar and butter, becoming true delicacies worldwide. Today, cookies are a symbol of conviviality and the joy of sharing pleasant moments with loved ones. Step by step – How to make butter cookies 1. Preparing the ingredients: Make sure the butter is at room temperature. It should be soft and easy to mix. It is recommended to take it out of the fridge about 30 minutes before starting the recipe. Also, sifting the flour will make the cookies fluffier, so don't skip this step. 2. Creaming butter and sugar: In a large bowl, add the soft butter, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt. Use an electric mixer (on medium speed) to mix the ingredients for 2-3 minutes until you achieve a fluffy, light-colored mixture. This step is essential to incorporate air into the mixture, which will make the cookies light and tender. 3. Adding the egg and flavors: Add the egg, vanilla extract, and vanilla sugar to the butter mixture. Continue mixing on medium speed until everything is well incorporated. Here you can also use other flavors, such as lemon or orange, to add an interesting twist to your cookies. 4. Incorporating the flour: Reduce the mixer speed to low and start adding the sifted flour gradually. Mix until you have a smooth dough. Don't overmix, as the cookies may become tough. 5. Shaping the cookies: Preheat the oven to 170°C. While waiting, use two spoons or an ice cream scoop to shape the cookies and place them on an ungreased baking sheet, leaving a 5 cm space between each to allow for expansion during baking. 6. Baking: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 10-15 minutes. You'll know they're done when the edges turn slightly brown, but the center should still be soft. Don't worry, the cookies will firm up as they cool. 7. Cooling: Let the cookies cool on the tray for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely. This step is important because the cookies are very fragile immediately after baking. Practical tips - Gluten-free version: If you want a gluten-free version, you can use almond flour or a combination of rice flour and cornstarch. - Creative additions: You can add chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits to the dough to personalize the cookies. - Storage: The cookies keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Nutritional values These butter cookies contain about 120 calories each (depending on the serving size). They are an excellent source of healthy fats from butter, but consumed in moderation, they can be part of a balanced diet. Frequently asked questions 1. Can I use margarine instead of butter? Yes, but the texture and taste will be different. Butter provides a richer flavor and a flakier texture. 2. How can I make the cookies less sweet? You can reduce the sugar by up to 25% without significantly affecting the texture. 3. What drinks pair well with these cookies? These cookies pair perfectly with a warm tea, a flavored coffee, or even a glass of fresh milk. Serving and presentation Serve the cookies on an elegant platter, possibly with a dusting of powdered sugar on top for a festive look. You can also share them with friends or give them as gifts in beautiful boxes, adding a personal message. These butter cookies are not just a simple recipe but also an opportunity to bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. So, put on your apron, prepare your ingredients, and enjoy this culinary experience! Every bite will be an explosion of flavors and textures, making you come back to this perfect recipe!