Lykkers, we know there's nothing quite like a batch of buttery cookies fresh out of the oven.

But the best ones? Those are the ones that melt in your mouth, with a texture so delicate and crumbly that you can't stop at just one.

In this article, we're going to share the perfect butter cookie recipe that guarantees rich flavor and a luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth experience. The best part? You only need a handful of common ingredients and just 55 minutes to whip up this delicious treat!

Essential Ingredients for Irresistible Butter Cookies

To start, let's take a look at what you'll need for these butter cookies. Gather these basic ingredients, and you'll be well on your way to baking the most delicious cookies ever:

• 260 g (2⅛ cups) all-purpose flour

• ½ tsp salt

• 226 g (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened but not melted

• 100 g (½ cup) white granulated sugar

• 2 large egg yolks, at room temperature

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• 33 g (¼ cup) milk powder

• 1 tsp whole milk (optional, depending on dough consistency)

For decoration (optional):

• 1 cup milk chocolate melts or chocolate chips

• Nonpareil sprinkles for extra fun

These ingredients are pantry staples, so there's no need for any special shopping trips.

Step-by-Step Directions for Perfect Butter Cookies

Once you have all your ingredients ready, we're ready to bake! The process is easy, and with a little patience, you'll have buttery perfection in no time.

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by setting your oven to 180°C (350°F). Don't forget to line your baking trays with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the flour and salt. Stir them together to ensure they are well mixed. No need to sift, just blend well.

3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step usually takes about 3 minutes, and it's crucial not to over-cream, as this will affect the texture of your cookies. The key here is light and airy, not overly whipped.

4. Add Wet Ingredients: Add the egg yolks, vanilla extract, and milk powder to the butter mixture. Mix on a low speed until everything is well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

5. Incorporate the Dry Ingredients: Gradually add your flour and salt mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix on low-medium speed until just combined. You don't want to overmix at this stage; stop as soon as the dough comes together.

6. Perfecting the Dough: If your dough feels too stiff to pipe, add a teaspoon of milk to soften it. Fold the milk gently into the dough with a spatula.

Shaping the Dough and Preparing to Bake

Now comes the fun part—shaping your cookies! We recommend using a large piping tip, such as an Ateco 849 or 827. The dough is perfect for piping, so transfer half of it into a piping bag. This makes handling the dough much easier.

1. Pipe the Cookies: Pipe small rosettes onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them apart slightly. You should be able to make about 40 cookies from this dough. Keep the size consistent for even baking.

2. Chill the Dough: This is a crucial step! Place the cookies in the fridge to chill for 30 minutes. Chilling helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking, resulting in a crisper texture.

Baking and Decorating Your Butter Cookies

Now that the dough is chilled, it's time to bake! Follow these steps for golden perfection:

1. Bake the Cookies: Bake your cookies on the middle rack of your oven for about 15 minutes or until they turn light golden brown. Keep an eye on them—if you prefer a crisper cookie, leave them in a little longer. You'll notice the cookies develop a rich, deeper flavor as they brown.

2. Cooling Time: Allow the cookies to cool on the tray for at least 30 minutes. This helps them firm up, so they don't break when you handle them.

3. Decorate with Chocolate: If you're adding a chocolate coating, melt your chocolate (milk, dark, or white) in the microwave or over a double boiler. Dip each cooled cookie halfway into the melted chocolate, and place them back on the parchment paper to set.

These cookies are sure to become a new favorite in your home! Whether you're enjoying them with a warm cup of tea or sharing them as part of a holiday spread, they're a guaranteed hit. The combination of rich, buttery flavor and the melt-in-your-mouth texture will leave everyone asking for more.

So, roll up your sleeves, grab your ingredients, and let's bake these incredible cookies together! Enjoy, Lykkers!