Nanny'S Butter Cookies

Prep: 15 min Cook: 5 min Cuisine: American

Buttery, crisp cookies with a delicate vanilla flavor, perfect for teatime or gifting. Their melt-in-your-mouth texture appeals to all ages and occasions.

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Ingredients

  • 1 c. butter
  • 1 c. sugar
  • 2 c. flour
  • 1 tsp. vanilla
  • 1 egg yolk

Instructions

  1. Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
  2. Add flour, vanilla, and egg yolk; mix thoroughly until well combined.
  3. Roll teaspoonfuls of dough into balls.
  4. Place the balls on an ungreased cookie sheet.
  5. Flatten each ball with the heel of your hand.
  6. Brush the tops with whipped egg white.
  7. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes, watching carefully to prevent over-browning.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter and adding a pinch of salt to the dough. If you're out of vanilla extract, you can substitute with almond extract for a different twist. To prevent the cookies from spreading too much, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. These cookies can also be rolled in powdered sugar after baking for an extra touch.

Serving Suggestions

These butter cookies are delightful on their own but can also be paired with a cup of tea or coffee for a lovely afternoon treat. Consider serving them alongside Maryann'S Cut-Out Cookies for a charming dessert platter. They also make a great base for ice cream sandwiches if you're feeling adventurous!

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To maintain their softness, you can add a slice of bread to the container, which will help keep the cookies moist. If you want to reheat them, pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or warm them in a low oven for a few minutes.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Nanny'S Butter Cookies contains roughly 1149 calories, with 42g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 84g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (84% of the Daily Value), iron (66% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (64% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber.

1149 kcal 57% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 41.8g 84% DV
Total Fat 83.7g 100% DV
Carbs 23.5g 9% DV
Fiber 2.7g 10% DV
Sugar 7.9g 16% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 189.6mg 8% DV
Potassium 555.1mg 12% DV
Cholesterol 600mg 100% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 579.6mcg 64% DV
Vitamin C 21.8mg 24% DV
Vitamin D 12.5mcg 62% DV
Calcium 368mg 28% DV
Iron 12mg 66% DV
Diet fit High-protein
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 freeze these butter cookies?

Yes, you can freeze the baked cookies! Let them cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They will keep well for up to three months. To enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or warm them slightly in the oven before serving.

What can I do if my dough is too sticky?

If your dough is too sticky to handle, try chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will make it easier to roll into balls. Alternatively, you can dust your hands and work surface with a little flour to help manage the stickiness while shaping the cookies.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in nuts like walnuts or pecans, or add chocolate chips for a delicious variation. Just be mindful of the total volume of ingredients; if you're adding too much, you may need to adjust the flour slightly to maintain the right dough consistency.

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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