Basic Butter Cookies

Sometimes there’s just not time to mix up a batch of fancy cookies that will wow a crowd, but here’s a recipe that’s simple to make and still a crowd pleaser. This basic butter cookie recipe takes no more than 5 minutes to mix and really is FOOL PROOF!

Get as creative as you'd like with this recipe - use whatever cookie cutters you might have or get fancy with frosting. You can also opt for the simple, yet sophisticated design we made with a fork!

Ingredients:

1 cup butter, softened

1 cup sugar

1 egg

2 2/3 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 teasoon salt

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions:

Cream your butter and sugar together in a stand mixer until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Next, beat in the egg and vanilla.

Combine the dry ingredients in a separate bowl - we recommend sifting together - and then slowly add into the sugar and butter mixture. Mix until just combined - use a spatula to give a good mix to ensure all your ingredients are blended togther by pushing around the sides and center of bowl.

At this point, either cover your dough in the mixing bowl or remove it and wrap it completely and chill for at least one hour.

For best results, also chill your cookie sheets before baking.

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Press the dough onto ungreased cookie sheets to desired thickness. You can make criss-crossed patterns in the cookies as we did with a fork, if desired.

Bake for 8-10 minutes or until golden around the edges. Let sit for 1-2 minutes, then remove to foil or a wire rack to cool.