European Butter Cookies

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect cookie texture, so take your time.

3. Add in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, and mix until well combined. The vanilla adds a beautiful aroma, while the salt balances the sweetness of the cookies.

4. Gradually add the flour to the butter mixture, mixing well after each addition. The dough should come together and be slightly crumbly but hold its shape when pressed together.

5. Transfer the cookie dough to a piping bag fitted with a star tip or a cookie press. You can also simply roll the dough into small balls and flatten them with a fork for a classic look.

6. Pipe or press the dough onto the prepared baking sheet in your desired shapes. European Butter Cookies are traditionally piped into S-shapes, rosettes, or simple rounds, but feel free to get creative!

7. If you wish to add decoration, sprinkle colored sugar, chopped nuts, or chocolate sprinkles on top of the cookies before baking.

8. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them as they can quickly go from perfectly golden to overdone.

9. Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. They will firm up as they cool, resulting in that trademark crisp texture.

10. Serve these delightful European Butter Cookies with a cup of tea or coffee, or package them up in a cute tin for a thoughtful homemade gift. They also make a lovely addition to any cookie platter for parties or gatherings.