Indulge in the classic delight of buttery shortbread cookies, a beloved confection with a smooth, crumbly texture and a delicate richness that dances on your palate. These cookies offer a perfect balance of sweetness and buttery goodness, making them an irresistible snack for any occasion. This unique recipe adds a modern twist by including optional chocolate drizzle and sprinkles, making these cookies a versatile treat for any occasion. Whether you’re sharing them at a holiday gathering or savoring them with your afternoon tea, these cookies are sure to impress with their perfect balance of sweetness and texture.
Ingredients:
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 2-3 teaspoons milk (optional, for consistency)
- White chocolate chips (optional, for drizzle)
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional, for drizzle)
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil (optional, for drizzle)
- Sprinkles (optional, for decoration)
Instructions:
- Preheat and Prepare:
Begin by warming your oven to 350°F (175°C) and preparing two baking trays with a sheet of parchment paper. Set them aside for now. - Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. - Add Vanilla and Egg:
Mix in the vanilla extract and egg, ensuring the mixture is smooth and well-combined. - Incorporate Dry Ingredients:
In a different bowl, blend the flour and salt. Slowly incorporate this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring at a low speed until a smooth dough comes together. If the dough appears too crumbly, gradually add milk, one teaspoon at a time, until it reaches the right texture. - Shape the Cookies:
Take portions of the dough with a spoon or small scoop and shape them into smooth balls. Arrange them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each one. Gently press down on each ball using your fingers or the bottom of a glass to flatten them a bit. - Bake:
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow them to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. - Optional Chocolate Drizzle:
If desired, melt white chocolate chips or semi-sweet chocolate chips in the microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring in between. Add a teaspoon of coconut oil to make the chocolate silky smooth. - Decorate:
Add sprinkles over the chocolate drizzle before it sets for a festive touch.
Conclusion:
These crispy vanilla butter cookies are the perfect combination of simplicity and sophistication. Their buttery richness paired with optional chocolate drizzle and sprinkles makes them a versatile and crowd-pleasing dessert. Whether you enjoy them plain or dressed up, these cookies are destined to become a household favorite. Indulge in the joy of baking and savor every bite!