Quick Butter Cookies

Quick Butter Cookies - A Sweet Delight for Any Time of Day

Who doesn't love a fresh, warm, buttery cookie that perfectly complements a cup of coffee or a fragrant tea? This quick butter cookie recipe is ideal for those moments when you crave something sweet but don't have much time. With a crispy exterior and a soft interior, these cookies are a perfect choice for breakfast or to add a touch of joy to any snack. Let's begin our culinary journey!

Total preparation time: 50 minutes
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Number of servings: 24 cookies

Basic ingredients:
- 200 g cold butter (make sure it's high quality for a perfect taste)
- 250 g flour (you can also use whole wheat flour for a healthier option)
- 120 g sugar (my suggestion is to use brown sugar for a deeper flavor)
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 2 egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons of cold water
- A pinch of salt (don’t forget, salt enhances all flavors)

Preparing the cookies:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature, but the butter should be cold. This will influence the final texture of the cookies. Start by sifting the flour, an essential step that helps achieve a finer texture.

2. Mixing the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the sifted flour with sugar, vanilla sugar, and a pinch of salt. It’s important to combine them well so that the sugar is evenly distributed in the dough.

3. Adding the wet ingredients: Add the egg yolks and cold water to the bowl with the dry ingredients. Cut the cold butter into small cubes and incorporate it into the mixture. Use a mixer or knead by hand until you achieve a smooth dough. Don’t worry if the dough seems sticky at first; it will firm up in the fridge.

4. Resting the dough: Once you have a uniform dough, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This step is crucial as it helps firm up the butter and achieve cookies with a perfect texture.

5. Shaping the cookies: Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium heat). Take the dough out of the fridge and form balls the size of a walnut. Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving space between them to allow for spreading during baking.

6. Baking: Bake the cookies for about 20 minutes, or until they turn golden at the bottom and are firm to the touch. This is the stage when the delicious aroma will fill the entire house!

7. Cooling and serving: Once you take them out of the oven, let the cookies cool on a rack. They will be more tender and tastier once completely cooled. Each bite will be an explosion of flavor!

Chef's tip: For an extra flavor boost, you can add some chopped nuts or dark chocolate to the dough. These variations can transform the cookies into an unforgettable experience!

Nutritional benefits:
These quick butter cookies are a good source of healthy fats from butter. Additionally, they contain proteins from the egg yolks and carbohydrates from the flour, providing a good energy boost. When 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 taste and texture won't be as rich. Butter provides a unique flavor and flakiness.

2. How can I keep the cookies fresh?
- It's best to store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them!

3. Can I add additional flavors?
- Absolutely! You can experiment with citrus zest, cinnamon, or almond extracts to customize the recipe.

To complete this culinary experience, I recommend serving the cookies with a cup of espresso or herbal tea. A perfect combination that will turn every moment into a pleasure.

In conclusion, these quick butter cookies are an excellent choice for any occasion or simply to treat your loved ones. Whether you make them for yourself or to share with friends, each bite will bring smiles and joy. So, don’t hesitate and prepare them today! Enjoy!