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A plate of freshly baked butter cookies, including round and star shapes, next to butter and sprinkles.

Buttery Vanilla Butter Cookies

Delicate, melt-in-your-mouth butter cookies infused with vanilla and a hint of almond, perfect for piping into beautiful shapes and optionally dipped in chocolate.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: International
Calories: 180
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cookie Dough
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 3/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons milk
Toppings
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar for sprinkling
  • dark chocolate melted, optional for dipping

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer
  • Piping Bag with Star Tip
  • Baking Sheet
  • Parchment Paper

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Cream butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Beat in egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until smooth.
  4. Whisk together flour, salt, and cornstarch, then gradually mix into the wet ingredients to form a soft dough.
  5. Add milk as needed to achieve a smooth, pipeable consistency.
  6. Transfer dough to a piping bag and pipe shapes onto prepared baking sheets.
  7. Sprinkle with granulated sugar.
  8. Bake for 12–15 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
  9. Cool on tray briefly, then transfer to a wire rack.
  10. Optionally dip cooled cookies in melted chocolate and let set.
  11. Store in an airtight container for up to one week.

Notes

Do not overbake to maintain a soft, tender texture. You can customize shapes and toppings as desired.