Classic Buttery Cookies (Slice-and-Bake Style)

These buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies are a timeless treat—simple to make, endlessly versatile, and perfect with tea or coffee. With just 4 ingredients, this slice-and-bake method ensures crisp edges, a tender center, and a heavenly vanilla aroma.

Why You’ll Love These Butter Cookies

 Only 4 pantry staples—no eggs, no fuss!

 Perfect for decorating—leave them plain or dip in chocolate.
 Make-ahead friendly—the dough freezes beautifully.
 Delicate texture—crumbly yet rich, like shortbread’s elegant cousin.

Ingredients

• 200g softened butter (use high-fat, unsalted butter for best results)
• 120g granulated sugar (or powdered sugar for extra tenderness)
• 280g all-purpose flour (sifted)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (or almond extract for variation)

Optional add-ins:

• Zest of 1 lemon or orange
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder (for chocolate version)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cream Butter & Sugar

• In a bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). Tip: The butter should be cool but yield to gentle pressure—not melted!

2. Add Vanilla

• Mix in vanilla extract (or other flavorings) until combined.

3. Incorporate Flour

• Gradually add sifted flour, mixing just until the dough comes together. Don’t overmix—this keeps cookies tender!

4. Shape the Dough

• Roll the dough into a log (about 5cm diameter) using plastic wrap.
• Chill for 1 hour (or freeze for 30 minutes if in a hurry). This prevents spreading!

5. Slice & Bake

• Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a tray with parchment.
• Cut 1cm-thick slices and place them 2cm apart (they expand slightly).
• Bake for 11-12 minutes until the edges turn golden. They’ll firm up as they cool!

6. Cool & Enjoy

• Let rest on the tray for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack.

Pro Tips

 Butter temp is key: Too soft? Cookies spread. Too cold? Dough cracks.
 Uniform slices: Use dental floss to cut clean rounds.
 Golden edges = perfect bake: They’ll seem underdone but set while cooling.

Variations

• Chocolate-dipped: Melt dark chocolate and dip half of each cookie.
• Sandwich cookies: Spread with jam or Nutella between two slices.
• Spiced: Add ½ tsp cinnamon or cardamom to the dough.

Storage

• Room temp: 1 week in an airtight container.
• Freeze dough: Up to 3 months (slice & bake straight from frozen +1-2 mins).

FAQ

Can I use salted butter?
Yes, but skip added salt.

Why did my cookies spread?
Butter was too warm or dough wasn’t chilled enough.

Can I pipe these instead?
Yes! Use a star tip for classic spritz cookies (add 1 tbsp milk if too thick).

Final Thought

These butter cookies are a blank canvas—simple, elegant, and endlessly adaptable. Perfect for gifting, holidays, or a quiet afternoon treat.

More Easy TikTok Recipes to Try:

• 4-Ingredient Heath Toffee Cookies – A sweet and crunchy treat that’s ready in no time!
• Fruity Pebbles Cookies – Fun, colorful, and perfect for dessert lovers.
• TikTok Baked Feta Pasta
• TikTok Potato Bake

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