Hug And Kisses Butter Cookies
Delightful butter cookies with a tender crumb and sweet powdered sugar coating, perfect for gifting or enjoying with tea and appealing to both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a small cup, stir egg yolk and vanilla together.
- In a food processor, place flour, sugar, and salt.
- Process for 10 seconds.
- Add butter; process until mixture resembles coarse meal, about 20 to 30 seconds.
- Add yolk mixture with machine running through the feed tube and process for 5 seconds.
- Scrape the bowl, then process until the liquid is evenly absorbed, about 10 seconds.
- Remove dough to a work surface.
- Press dough together until it forms a ball.
- Divide dough in half and shape into 2 thick disks.
- Wrap each in plastic wrap and refrigerate several hours or overnight.
- When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350°F.
- Lightly butter several cookie sheets.
- Remove dough from refrigerator and allow it to soften slightly.
- Place each piece of dough between 2 sheets of waxed paper and roll out to 1/8-inch thickness.
- Remove the top wax paper.
- Cut desired shapes from the dough.
- Bake for 15 minutes.
- Sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of salt to the dough, which enhances the sweetness. If you don't have raspberry preserves, you can substitute with any fruit preserve of your choice, such as apricot or strawberry. Make sure your butter is very cold for the best texture in the cookies. If you prefer a gluten-free option, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Serving Suggestions
These delightful cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet treat with afternoon tea. They pair beautifully with Tortoni Ice Cream for a delicious dessert experience. Consider serving them alongside a fruit platter or with a warm cup of tea for a cozy treat. They also make great gifts when packaged in decorative boxes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. To enjoy them later, simply thaw at room temperature and sprinkle with powdered sugar again if desired.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hug And Kisses Butter Cookies contains roughly 268 calories, with 11g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin A.
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 margarine instead of butter?
While margarine can be used as a substitute for butter, it may alter the flavor and texture of the cookies. Butter provides a rich flavor and helps achieve the right consistency, so for the best results, stick with cold butter as the recipe recommends.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies are done when the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set but still soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking to prevent overbaking.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for several hours or overnight. This not only saves time but also allows the flavors to meld. Just remember to let the dough soften slightly before rolling it out.
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).