Grandmama'S Butter Cookies

Prep: 10 min Cook: 35 min Cuisine: American

Rich buttery cookies with a nutty crunch, perfect for tea time or gifting, boasting classic vanilla flavor and a golden, crisp finish.

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Ingredients

  • 2 sticks creamery butter
  • 1 c. sugar
  • 1 egg yolk (save white)
  • 1 tsp. vanilla
  • 2 c. plain flour

Instructions

  1. Mix butter, sugar, egg yolk, vanilla, and flour until dough forms.
  2. Roll dough into small balls and place on a cookie sheet, spacing evenly.
  3. Brush tops with beaten egg whites and sprinkle chopped nuts over each cookie.
  4. Bake at 325°F for 30 to 40 minutes, or until golden brown.
  5. Remove from oven, let cool on sheet before transferring to a rack to finish cooling.

Tips & Substitutions

For best results, use room temperature butter to ensure it creams well with the sugar. If you prefer a nut-free version, you can omit the chopped nuts or replace them with chocolate chips. Additionally, try using almond flour for a gluten-free twist. Make sure to keep an eye on the cookies toward the end of the baking time, as they can brown quickly.

Serving Suggestions

These butter cookies are delightful on their own, but you can elevate them by pairing them with a cup of tea or coffee. For a festive touch, serve them alongside Jackie B'S Seven Minute Frosting for a sweet dip. They also make a perfect addition to any dessert platter, especially when paired with other classic American recipes.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies for up to three months. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through, preserving their texture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Grandmama'S Butter Cookies contains roughly 1394 calories, with 6g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 128g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein.

1394 kcal 70% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 5.5g 11% DV
Total Fat 127.6g 100% DV
Carbs 22g 8% DV
Fiber 2.5g 9% DV
Sugar 7.6g 15% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 29.1mg 1% DV
Potassium 262.7mg 6% DV
Cholesterol 600mg 100% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 60.4mcg 7% DV
Vitamin C 20.5mg 23% DV
Vitamin D 1.3mcg 7% DV
Calcium 56.5mg 4% DV
Iron 1.7mg 9% DV
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, you can use salted butter, but it may alter the sweetness slightly. If using salted butter, consider reducing the added salt in the recipe, if any, to balance the flavors. This will still yield delicious cookies, just be mindful of the overall saltiness.

What can I substitute for vanilla extract?

If you don't have vanilla extract, you can substitute it with almond extract for a different flavor profile. Alternatively, you can use vanilla bean paste, which can enhance the vanilla flavor. Just remember that almond extract is stronger, so use half the amount suggested for vanilla.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

The cookies are done when they turn a light golden brown on the edges and the centers appear set. You can also lightly press the tops; they should spring back slightly. Avoid overbaking, as they will continue to cook a bit after being removed from the oven.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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