Butter Cookies

These Butter Cookies are an ideal choice when it comes to drop cookies that allow for improvisation and customization. With a tender texture and a buttery flavor, these cookies are perfect on their own or as a base for adding different ingredients and flavors. The recipe calls for basic pantry staples, making it easy to whip up a batch of these delightful treats in no time. You can personalize the cookies by adding spices, nuts, coconut, or even experimenting with different types of oil. The gentle handling of the dough is crucial to maintain the tender texture of the cookies. Once baked, these Butter Cookies have a lightly golden exterior and a soft interior, making them a crowd-pleasing choice for any occasion. Enjoy them as is or use them as a canvas for various glazes or toppings.

MAKES: 2 to 3 dozen

TIME: About 30 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

• 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 egg
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• Pinch of salt
• 1/4 cup milk, plus more if needed

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and egg, and beat until well blended.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Gradually add half of the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, beating for a moment to incorporate. Add the milk and any additional ingredients like spices, nuts, or coconut, if desired. Beat for about 10 seconds.
5. Add the remaining dry ingredients and a little more milk if necessary, to create a soft dough that can be easily dropped from a spoon.
6. Drop tablespoon-size mounds of dough about 3 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets, forming rows and columns.
7. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for approximately 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned.
8. Allow the cookies to cool for about 2 minutes on the baking sheets, then transfer them to a wire rack to finish cooling. If desired, decorate the cooled cookies with icing or glaze for added flair.
9. Store the Butter Cookies in a tightly covered container at room temperature for up to a day or two.

VARIATIONS:

• Chocolate Cookies: Add melted semisweet and unsweetened chocolate to the dough after combining the wet and dry ingredients.

• Sour Cream Cookies: Use baking soda instead of baking powder and substitute sour cream for the milk. The dough can be dropped and baked as directed or refrigerated for 1 hour before rolling into walnut-size balls.

• Olive Oil Cookies: Replace the butter with a good extra virgin olive oil. Increase the flour by 1/2 cup.

• Sweet-Savory Cookies: Add ingredients like rosemary, black pepper, and red wine for a unique flavor combination. Adjust the sugar amount and substitute red wine for the milk.

• Maple Cornmeal Cookies: Incorporate maple syrup and brown sugar into the dough and use a combination of cornmeal and flour.

These simple ideas for jazzing up the Butter Cookies offer a variety of flavors and textures. From nuts and coconut to spices and glazes, these suggestions allow you to personalize the cookies and create your own signature treats. Have fun experimenting with different combinations and enjoy the delicious results!