Unsalted Butter (1 cup, or 226g)
Softened to the right consistency for a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Granulated Sugar (2/3 cup/140 g)
Sweetness that balances the rich, buttery goodness.
Salt (1/4 tsp)
A pinch of salt will enhance the flavors.
Large Egg Yolks (2)
Adds richness and a velvety texture to the dough.
Vanilla Extract (1 1/2 tsp)
Aromatic essence for that classic vanilla flavor.
All-Purpose Flour (2 cups or 283g)
The foundation of the cookie, ensuring perfect consistency.
Milk (2–4 tsp)
Adjust for desired pipe-ability, keeping the dough thick for ideal results.
Chocolate or Candy Melts (Optional)
Elevate your cookies with a decadent chocolate touch.
DIRECTIONS
Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of creating these delectable vanilla butter cookies:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set the oven to a toasty 350 degrees, creating the perfect environment for baking perfection.
Step 2: Creamy Butter Bliss
In the bowl of an electric stand mixer, blend together softened butter, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt until heavenly combined.
Step 3: Yolk and Vanilla Dance
Introduce the large egg yolks and vanilla extract to the creamy mixture, creating a symphony of flavors.
Step 4: Flour Power
Gradually add all-purpose flour, mixing until the dough reaches a delightful crumbly consistency.
Step 5: Milk Magic
Pour in 2 tsp of milk initially, adjusting as needed for a pipe-able consistency. Be cautious not to overdo it to prevent excessive spreading.
Step 6: Piping Perfection
Transfer the divine dough into a 16-inch piping bag with a large open star tip, ensuring a consistent and appealing shape.
Step 7: Baking Ballet
Pipe the dough onto ungreased baking sheets and bake one sheet at a time until the bottoms turn a golden brown, typically 12 – 16 minutes of baking perfection.
Step 8: Cool Elegance
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before gracefully transferring them to a wire rack for complete coolness. Store these delights in an airtight container to preserve their freshness.