Irresistible Greek Butter Cookies: Classic and Addictive Summer Treat

Greek Butter Cookies: A Classic Summer Delight

Every summer, my aunt’s visit was eagerly anticipated, and these Greek Butter Cookies were the highlight of her arrival. Their addictive taste and simplicity made them a beloved treat in our home. These cookies are wonderfully buttery and sweet, perfect for any occasion. Let’s embark on making these delightful treats that are sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire!

Ingredients:

• Butter: 3/4 cup, softened
• Sugar: 3/4 cup
• Egg: 1, large
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
• All-Purpose Flour: 1 3/4 cups
• Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon

Instructions:

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar: Begin by placing the softened butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer, cream the butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process should take about 2 to 3 minutes. The fluffy texture will help to create a tender cookie.

2. Incorporate the Egg and Vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Continue to beat until all the ingredients are well combined. The egg will help to bind the ingredients together, while the vanilla adds a lovely aromatic flavor.

3. Mix in Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour and baking powder to the mixture. Stir just until the flour is incorporated and the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a denser cookie.

4. Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for 1 hour. Chilling the dough makes it easier to handle and helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking.

5. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the oven is at the perfect temperature for baking the cookies evenly.

6. Prepare the Dough: After chilling, divide the dough into 3 equal parts. On a lightly floured surface, roll each part into a long, skinny log. Aim for a length that matches the width of your cookie sheet. The logs should be uniform in thickness for even baking.

7. Shape and Score the Cookies: Place the rolled dough logs onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Flatten each log slightly with your hands. Using a knife or a bench scraper, score the dough at 1/2-inch intervals. Be careful not to cut all the way through; you want to make indentations that will help in slicing the cookies after baking.

8. Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes. The cookies are done when the edges start to turn a light golden brown.

9. Cool and Slice: Allow the cookies to cool on the cookie sheet for 2 minutes. This resting period helps them firm up before transferring them to wire racks. Once they are cool enough to handle, slice them along the scored lines.

10. Finish with Powdered Sugar: Generously sprinkle powdered sugar over the warm cookies. Make sure to coat all sides for a sweet finish.

11. Store Properly: Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. This will keep them fresh and delicious for longer.

Cooking Times:

Enjoy these delightful Greek Butter Cookies with a cup of tea or coffee, and relish the memories of summer gatherings and family moments. Happy baking! 🍪✨