Vanilla Butter Cookies

Instructions

Make the Dough

  1. Cream Butter:
    • In a mixing bowl, add 200 g of softened butter. Stir until smooth.
  2. Add Sugar:
    • Mix in 60 g of sugar and continue stirring until fully combined.
  3. Add Vanilla and Salt:
    • Add a pinch of salt and 10 g of vanilla sugar. Mix thoroughly with a hand mixer.
  4. Incorporate Cornstarch:
    • Gradually add 65 g of sifted cornstarch in batches, mixing well after each addition until the dough is smooth.
  5. Add Flour:
    • Sift in 190 g of flour in batches, mixing with a hand mixer until a soft dough forms.

Prepare the Cookies

  1. Portion Dough:
    • Knead the dough briefly, then divide it into portions.
  2. 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:

      1. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
      2. Add Egg and Vanilla: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
      3. Add Flour and Salt: Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.

      Chill the Dough:

      1. 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:

      1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
      2. 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:

      1. 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.
      2. 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

  1. Preheat Oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F).
  2. Bake:
    • Bake the cookies for 10 minutes or until they are slightly golden around the edges.

Optional Finishing Touches