Butter Cookies (Print Version)

Ingredients:

01 - 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened.
02 - 1 cup granulated sugar.
03 - 1 large egg.
04 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract.
05 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour.
06 - 1/2 teaspoon salt.
07 - Additional granulated sugar for rolling (optional).

Instructions:

01 - In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
02 - Add the large egg and pure vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat until well combined.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt.
04 - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
05 - Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a log, about 2 inches in diameter.
06 - Wrap the logs in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm.
07 - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
08 - If desired, roll the chilled logs of dough in additional granulated sugar to coat them.
09 - Slice the dough into 1/4-inch thick rounds and place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie.
10 - Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
11 - Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
12 - Once the Butter Cookies are completely cool, store them in an airtight container.