Delicious Butter Cookies

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
• 1 large egg
• 1½ cups icing sugar (powdered sugar)
• 185g unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1/4 cup milk (whole milk preferred for richness)
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract (or vanilla bean paste for extra flavor)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (if using unsalted butter)
• Optional: 1/2 teaspoon almond extract for a subtle nutty flavor

Instructions:

1. Prep the Dry Ingredients:

• In a large bowl, sift together the flour and salt. Whisk to ensure they’re well combined. Set aside.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:

• In a separate bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the butter and icing sugar together on medium-high speed until light, pale, and creamy (about 3-4 minutes). This aerates the butter and gives the cookies a lovely soft texture.

3. Incorporate Wet Ingredients:

• Add the egg and beat for another 2-3 minutes until well combined.
• Add the milk, vanilla extract (and almond extract, if using), and mix until smooth.

4. Add Dry Ingredients Gradually:

• Slowly add the sifted flour mixture to the wet ingredients in batches, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix; you want the dough to remain tender.

5. Chill the Dough:

• Spoon the dough into a piping bag fitted with your favorite decorative nozzle.
• Pipe the dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet in desired shapes, leaving some space between cookies.
• Chill the piped cookies in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to ensure they keep their shape during baking.

6. Bake:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Once the cookies are chilled, bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are a light golden brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-baking.

7. Cool and Enjoy:

• Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
• Optional: Dust with extra icing sugar for a festive finish or dip the cookies halfway in melted chocolate for an indulgent touch.

Pro Tips:

• Flavor Variations: You can infuse the dough with citrus zest (like lemon or orange) for a refreshing twist, or even add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom for a warm, spiced flavor.
• Storage: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They also freeze well!
• Decorative Options: These cookies are perfect for piping intricate designs. You can experiment with different piping nozzles or even press them with a cookie stamp for more personalized shapes.

Conclusion:

These butter cookies are tender, buttery, and perfect for any occasion! By chilling the dough and using high-quality vanilla extract, you’ll get a rich flavor and a perfect, crispy texture. Ideal for tea time, holiday cookie platters, or just when you want something comforting and sweet. Enjoy your baking!