Grandma's Secret Butter Cookies (Printable)
Tender, buttery cookies with delicate sweetness. A classic nostalgic treat perfect for tea time or holidays.
# What You'll Need:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
→ Wet Ingredients
03 - 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
04 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
05 - 1 large egg yolk
06 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
→ Optional Finishing
07 - 1/4 cup powdered sugar, for dusting
# How-To Steps:
01 - Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and salt until well blended.
03 - In a large bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, approximately 3 minutes.
04 - Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix until fully incorporated.
05 - Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until the dough comes together. Do not overmix.
06 - Roll tablespoonfuls of dough into balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
07 - Gently press each ball with the tines of a fork or the bottom of a glass to flatten slightly.
08 - Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just turning golden. Do not overbake.
09 - Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
10 - Dust cooled cookies lightly with powdered sugar, if desired.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- These cookies achieve that impossible balance between tender and substantial, crumbling beautifully at first bite
- The recipe requires only basic pantry staples yet produces something that feels like a special occasion
02 -
- Room temperature butter is non negotiable for achieving that perfect creamy texture
- Overbaking will make these cookies dry, so pull them from the oven when edges barely show color
03 -
- Weighing your ingredients instead of using cup measures ensures consistent results every time
- The fork pattern not only looks classic but helps the cookies bake evenly