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World’s Best Butter Cookies
Caroline

World’s Best Butter Cookies

These buttery, crisp, melt-in-your-mouth cookies are simple to make and perfect for holiday platters, gift tins, or everyday treats. Made with real butter and a touch of vanilla, they’re a timeless classic that everyone loves.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 36 cookies
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: European
Calories: 110
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

Equipment

  • mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer or hand whisk
  • Rubber spatula
  • measuring cups and spoons
  • Plastic wrap
  • Sharp knife
  • baking sheets
  • parchment paper

Method
 

  1. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter, sugar, salt, and vanilla until smooth and creamy. Add the egg yolk and mix until fully combined. Scrape down the bowl as needed.
  2. Gradually mix in flour until just incorporated. Do not overmix.
  3. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead gently a few times until smooth. Shape into a log, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or freeze for later use).
  4. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  5. Slice chilled dough into ⅛-inch thick rounds. Place cookies about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.
  6. Bake for 16–18 minutes, or until edges are just beginning to turn golden.
  7. Let cookies cool on a wire rack before serving or storing.

Notes

For best flavor, use high-quality European butter. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool, so avoid overbaking. Perfect for Christmas cookie platters, holiday gift tins, or everyday treats.