INSTRUCTIONS:
Prep and Preheat:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Cream the Butter and Sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This can be done with a hand mixer or stand mixer, or even by hand with a sturdy whisk.
Add Flavor:
- Mix in the vanilla extract until well combined, adding a hint of warmth and flavor to the cookie dough.
Incorporate the Flour:
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the butter mixture, mixing until a smooth dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies.
Shape the Cookies:
- Once the dough is formed, you can shape it into cookies using your preferred method. Roll the dough into small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, then gently flatten each ball with the palm of your hand or the bottom of a glass to create uniform cookies.
Decorate and Bake:
- If desired, you can decorate the cookies with sprinkles, chocolate chips, or chopped nuts before baking. This adds a festive touch and extra flavor to the finished cookies.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden brown.
Cool and Enjoy:
- Once baked to perfection, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve the butter cookies with a tall glass of milk or your favorite hot beverage, and savor the simple pleasures of homemade goodness.
