Recipe: World’s Best Butter Cookies

Ingredients:

8 oz unsalted butter

¾ cup granulated sugar

¼ tsp salt

1 ½ tsp pure vanilla extract

1 large egg yolk

2 cups all-purpose flour

Instructions:

Begin by beating together the butter, sugar, salt, and vanilla until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This step is crucial as it forms the base of the cookies, ensuring they are rich and flavorful.

Next, add the egg yolk and mix until it’s fully incorporated. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything blends evenly.

Gradually add the flour, mixing gently until it just incorporates. Avoid overmixing, as it can make the cookies tough.

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface, kneading it a few times until it’s smooth and cohesive.

Shape the dough into a log, wrap it in plastic, and refrigerate for several hours. This step helps the dough hold its shape during baking. You can also freeze the dough if you want to bake it later.

When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 325°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Slice the dough log into ⅛-inch rounds and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about an inch apart to allow room for spreading.

Bake for 16-18 minutes, or until the edges just begin to turn a light golden brown. This gives the cookies their signature crisp edge and soft center.

Let the cookies cool before serving, allowing the flavors to settle and the cookies to firm up to the perfect consistency.