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World’s Best Melt-In-Your-Mouth Butter Cookies

A close-up of several piped, star-shaped butter cookies with golden edges stacked on a white plate.
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Bake rich, buttery cookies that achieve the classic melt-in-your-mouth texture. This straightforward recipe is perfect for holiday baking, gifting, or enjoying with your afternoon tea.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key for a tender cookie.
  2. Beat in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until just combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.
  4. Shape the dough into logs or discs, or place the dough into a cookie press fitted with your desired shape. For a classic Danish look, use a star tip on a piping bag.
  5. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps prevent spreading.
  6. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  7. Place dough onto the prepared sheets, leaving about 2 inches between cookies.
  8. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are set and very lightly golden. The centers should still look pale for that melt-in-your-mouth quality.
  9. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

  • For the richest buttery flavor, use high-quality, full-fat butter.
  • To achieve the signature melt-in-your-mouth texture, avoid browning the butter or overbaking the cookies; pale edges are desirable.
  • If you are making these for Christmas gifts, dust them lightly with powdered sugar after they cool completely.
  • For a shortbread style cookie, you can reduce the sugar slightly.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingbycarla.com/melt-in-your-mouth-butter-cookies/