Butter Cookies with Variations

Name: Butter Cookies with Variations
Yield: makes 4 to 5 dozen cookies
Ingredients: 1/2 pound (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1 egg yolk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

By Beatrice Ojakangas

December 9, 2011

Image may contain Cutlery Fork and Plant

Photo by Chelsea Kyle

Basic butter cookies are a holiday staple for good reason. This adaptable version goes beyond the basic with variations for candy-cane-shaped peppermint cookies, jam-stuffed bars, and nutty maple-flavored rounds. In a convection oven, I can bake three pans at a time. For the best flavor, wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 24 hours. During this time the butter and additional flavors (see variations) develop.

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