Quick Butter Cookies Recipe

This delightful quick butter cookie recipe brings a taste of simple indulgence and homemade comfort. These cookies, made with just a few basic ingredients, offer a buttery, sweet flavor that's perfect for any occasion. The recipe is straightforward and doesn't require any special equipment. Featuring an understated vanilla essence, these cookies make a great pairing with your afternoon tea or coffee. They sport a golden hue and a melt-in-your-mouth texture, creating a satisfying treat that even beginners can master. The quick preparation and baking time makes it an ideal choice for spur-of-the-moment cravings. Their versatility allows for a variety of flavor enhancements, from spices to nuts or chocolate chips. The dough is easy to handle and can be refrigerated if you wish to bake only a portion at a time. Enjoy these cookies as a delightful snack or gift them to friends for a homemade touch.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

200 g all-purpose flour
175 g butter
2 tablespoons sugar
1 packet vanilla sugar

Preparation Time

Total Time: 30 minutes including preparation and baking

Step-by-Step Instruction

Combine dry ingredients: In a mixing bowl, blend the all-purpose flour with sugar and vanilla sugar until evenly distributed.
Incorporate butter: Add the butter to the dry mixture. Use your hands or a pastry cutter to mix until the dough reaches a crumbly consistency.
Form the dough: Bring the mixture together, forming a smooth yet firm dough.
Chill the dough: Shape the dough into a flat disk about 4 cm thick and wrap in plastic wrap. Place in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to firm up.
Prepare for baking: Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
Slice the cookies: Remove the dough from the fridge and, using a sharp knife, slice it into thin pieces, each about 0.5 cm thick.
Arrange on tray: Lay the slices on the prepared baking tray, ensuring a bit of space between each piece to allow for spreading during baking.
Bake: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cookies have turned a light golden yellow.
Cool the cookies: Once baked, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Serve and enjoy: These cookies are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.

Tips

Butter Consistency: Ensure your butter is soft but not melted for the best dough texture.
Add-Ins: For variety, consider adding a handful of chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Nutritions (per cookie, approx.)

Calories: 90
Protein: 1g
Fats: 6g
Carbs: 9g

Variations

Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with almond or coconut flour for a gluten-free version.
Flavor Twist: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest for a citrusy kick or a pinch of cardamom for a more exotic flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these cookies with a hot cup of tea, coffee, or a cold glass of milk.
Serve alongside fresh fruit or a scoop of ice cream for a delightful dessert.

Best Places

Levain Bakery - Famous for its warm, gooey chocolate chip cookies. Location: 167 W 74th St, New York, USA.
Tartine Bakery - Renowned for its perfectly flaky pastries and cookies. Location: 600 Guerrero St, San Francisco, USA.
Milk Bar - Known for inventive cookies and cereal milk creations. Location: 220 8th Ave, New York, USA.
Ladurée - Offers delicate macarons and cookies with a Parisian flair. Location: 16-18 rue Royale, Paris, France.
Pierre Hermé - Celebrated for luxurious pastries and inventive flavors. Location: 72 rue Bonaparte, Paris, France.
Bouchon Bakery - Provides classic French pastries and American treats. Location: 6528 Washington St, Yountville, USA.
Ben's Cookies - Offers large, soft-centered cookies with various mix-ins. Location: 355-361 Oxford St, London, UK.
Cookie Time - Home to delicious, freshly baked cookies. Location: 18 Shotover St, Queenstown, New Zealand.
Supermoon Bakehouse - Known for its croissants and creative cookies. Location: 120 Rivington St, New York, USA.
Cookie DPT - Specializes in thick, gooey cookies in bold flavors. Location: Various locations, Hong Kong, China.