Description
These World’s Best Butter Cookies are classic, buttery treats perfect for holidays or any occasion. Soft and tender with a slight crisp on the edges, they are easy to make with simple ingredients and customizable with optional almond extract and festive sprinkles.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Garnish (Optional)
- Sanding sugar or colored sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
- Add Flavorings: Mix in the vanilla extract and almond extract if you are using it, to infuse the dough with rich flavors.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the wet ingredients, mixing just until they combine and form a soft dough, taking care not to overmix.
- Form Dough Balls: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and roll them into smooth balls.
- Arrange on Baking Sheets: Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets with about 2 inches between each to allow for spreading.
- Flatten and Garnish: Slightly flatten each ball using the bottom of a glass or your palm, then sprinkle the tops with sanding sugar or colored sprinkles if desired for a festive touch.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn lightly golden, indicating they are cooked through.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- For crisper cookies, bake an additional 1–2 minutes until edges are more golden.
- These cookies freeze beautifully, making them great to prepare in advance for holidays or special occasions.
- The almond extract adds a subtle, nutty flavor but feel free to omit it if you prefer a pure vanilla taste.
