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Classic Melt-in-Your-Mouth Butter Cookies

A pile of golden-edged, textured 4-ingredient butter cookie treats stacked on a white plate.

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Make rich, buttery cookies that melt in your mouth with this simple recipe. These classic butter cookies are perfect for holiday baking or afternoon tea.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. You can use a hand mixer or a wooden spoon for this step.
  2. Gradually add the flour and salt to the butter mixture. Mix on low speed or by hand until just combined. Do not overmix the dough.
  3. Shape the dough into logs or discs, wrap them in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps the cookies hold their shape during baking.
  4. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  5. Roll the chilled dough into small balls or use a cookie press to pipe shapes onto the prepared baking sheets.
  6. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. The centers should remain pale.
  7. Let the butter cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, substitute 1/4 cup of the granulated sugar with brown sugar.
  • If you want crisp butter cookies, bake for 1-2 minutes longer. For softer cookies, pull them out right when the edges set.
  • These cookies are excellent for gifting; store them in an airtight container for up to one week.

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