Mix Butter and Sugar: Start by placing the butter and sugar in a bowl. It’s important to use butter at room temperature to ensure it blends smoothly with the sugar. If the butter is too cold, it will be harder to incorporate, and if it’s too warm, it can become too soft. Use a hand mixer or a whisk to blend them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. The goal is to achieve a light and fluffy texture, which will help create a delicate cookie.
Add Vanilla Essence: Once the butter and sugar are well combined, add the teaspoon of vanilla essence. The vanilla adds a subtle, aromatic flavor to the cookies, enhancing the richness of the butter. Mix the vanilla into the butter-sugar mixture until evenly distributed.
Incorporate the Flour: Gradually sift the flour into the butter mixture. Sifting the flour ensures that it’s aerated and free of any lumps, which helps create a smooth dough. Gently fold the sifted flour into the mixture using a spatula or your hands, mixing until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix at this stage to avoid making the cookies tough.
Shape the Dough: Once the dough has come together, the easiest method for shaping it is to roll it into a log. Lay out a sheet of plastic wrap or parchment paper and use it to roll the dough into a tight log shape, about the thickness of your finger. This step helps ensure the cookies are uniform in size when sliced. After rolling, wrap the dough log tightly in the plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour. Chilling the dough firms it up, making it easier to slice into neat, even cookies.
Preheat the Oven: While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the cookies from sticking. This will help ensure they bake evenly and come off the tray easily after baking.
Slice and Bake: After the dough has chilled, remove it from the fridge and slice it into approximately 1 cm thick slices. Be sure to use a sharp knife to get clean cuts. Place the cookie slices on the prepared baking tray, spacing them slightly apart to allow for any spread during baking. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 11-12 minutes. Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake; when the edges begin to turn golden brown, they are ready to be removed from the oven. Remember, even if the cookies seem soft when you touch them, they will firm up as they cool, so don’t leave them in the oven too long.
