vanilla cookies

The Ultimate Guide to Making Vanilla Cookies

Baking classic vanilla cookies is a simple yet rewarding treat. Here’s a comprehensive guide to perfect, buttery delights.

Ingredients:

- 1 cup (2 sticks) softened unsalted butter

- ¾ cup granulated sugar

- 2 large eggs, room temperature

- 2 tsp vanilla extract

- 3 cups all-purpose flour

- 1 tsp baking powder

- ½ tsp salt

Instructions:

1. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (3-4 minutes). Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla.

2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.

3. Chill Dough: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 24 hours) to firm up.

4. Preheat & Shape: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

5. Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden. Centers may look soft—they’ll firm up as they cool.

Variations: Add chocolate chips, nuts, or a sprinkle of sea salt before baking for extra flavor. Let cookies cool completely on a wire rack. Store in an airtight container for up to a week. Enjoy these timeless treats with milk or tea!