Old Fashioned Butter Cookies(Yields 6 Dozen)

Prep: 20 min Cook: 8 min Serves: 72 Cuisine: American

Delightful buttery cookies with a hint of orange and vanilla, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings or sharing with friends during special occasions.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter or margarine
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 2 tablespoons orange juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

  1. In a 3-quart mixer bowl, cream butter, sugar, and egg until light and fluffy.
  2. Beat in flour, baking powder, orange juice, and vanilla until smooth and well combined.
  3. Chill the dough for 2-3 hours or until firm enough to be rolled.
  4. Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C).
  5. Roll out the dough, 1/2 at a time, on a well-floured surface to 1/8 to 1/4 inch thickness.
  6. Cut out cookies with cookie cutters.
  7. Place on ungreased cookie sheets.
  8. Bake near the center of the oven for 6-10 minutes or until golden brown on edges.
  9. Cool on wire racks.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of margarine. If you're out of orange juice, lemon juice can be a good substitute. Ensure that the dough is chilled sufficiently to prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking. You can also experiment with adding a pinch of salt for enhanced taste or even some chopped nuts for added texture.

Serving Suggestions

These butter cookies are delightful on their own, but they can also be served alongside a cup of tea or coffee. For a festive touch, consider drizzling melted chocolate over the cookies or serving them with a scoop of Cantaloupe Ice Cream for a refreshing dessert. They pair beautifully with a glass of milk or a fruit salad for a balanced treat.

Storage & Reheating

Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can freeze them for up to three months. To reheat, simply pop them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for a few minutes until warmed through, preserving their texture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Old Fashioned Butter Cookies(Yields 6 Dozen) contains roughly 711 calories, with 5g protein, 75g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 661mg per serving (29% of the Daily Value).

711 kcal 36% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4.7g 9% DV
Total Fat 5.2g 7% DV
Carbs 74.6g 27% DV
Fiber 0.6g 2% DV
Sugar 19.6g 39% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 660.6mg 29% DV
Potassium 592.9mg 13% DV
Cholesterol 158.6mg 53% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 38.5mcg 4% DV
Vitamin C 7mg 8% DV
Calcium 421.7mg 32% DV
Iron 2mg 11% DV
Diet fit Low-fat
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 a different type of flour?

While all-purpose flour is recommended for the best texture, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends if needed. Just be aware that the texture and flavor may vary, so a little trial and error might be necessary to achieve your desired results.

How can I make these cookies more festive?

To make these butter cookies more festive, consider adding holiday-themed sprinkles before baking or using cookie cutters in seasonal shapes. You can also incorporate spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm flavor, or decorate them with icing for a colorful touch.

What can I do if my dough is too sticky?

If your dough is too sticky to roll out, simply sprinkle a little extra flour on your work surface and on the dough itself. You can also chill the dough for a bit longer to make it easier to handle. Just be cautious not to add too much flour, as it can affect the cookie’s texture.

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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