World's Best Butter Cookies

 

Here’s a recipe for what many consider the world’s best butter cookies—rich, melt-in-your-mouth Danish-style cookies with just a handful of ingredients:

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World's Best Butter Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 2/3 cup (85g) powdered sugar (for a finer texture)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (or use vanilla bean paste for extra richness)
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp salt (omit if using salted butter)
• Optional: turbinado sugar or coarse sugar for rolling edges

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cream butter and sugar in a bowl until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
3. Add vanilla and mix until combined.
4. Sift in flour and salt, and mix until dough forms. Don’t overwork it.
5. Shape the cookies:
   • Roll dough into a log, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes.
   • Slice into 1/4" thick rounds.
   • Or pipe using a star tip for the classic Danish look.
6. (Optional) Roll edges in turbinado sugar for extra crunch.
7. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges just begin to turn golden.
8. Cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

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These cookies are buttery, crisp yet tender, and taste amazing on their own—or dipped in chocolate. Want a flavor twist like lemon zest, almond, or cardamom?