Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven 🔥

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) .
2. Line a baking tray with parchment paper or grease it lightly to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Sift the Dry Ingredients 🥄

1. In a large bowl, sift together the flour and salt . Mix well and set aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar 🧈

1. In a separate mixing bowl, beat the butter and icing sugar together until pale, light, and creamy. This should take about 2–3 minutes using a hand mixer or stand mixer.

Step 4: Add the Egg and Wet Ingredients 🥚

1. Add the egg to the butter mixture and beat for another 3 minutes , until fully incorporated and fluffy.
2. Stir in the milk and vanilla extract , mixing until smooth.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients 🥣

1. Gradually add the sifted flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing—just mix until the dough comes together.

Step 6: Pipe the Cookies 🎂

1. Transfer the dough into a piping bag fitted with your favorite nozzle.
2. Pipe the dough onto the prepared baking tray in your desired shapes and sizes, leaving some space between each cookie for slight spreading.

Step 7: Chill the Cookies ❄️

1. Place the baking tray in the refrigerator and chill the piped cookies for 30 minutes . Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape during baking.

Step 8: Bake the Cookies 🍳

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes , or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers will still be soft but will firm up as they cool.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy 🍴

1. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking tray for 5 minutes , then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Serve as-is or dust with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.

Tips for Success:

• Experiment with Shapes: Use star, flower, or swirl nozzles to create unique designs.
• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week .
• Freeze Option: Freeze unbaked piped cookies on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the baking time.

Nutritional Information (per cookie, makes ~24):

• Calories: ~120
• Protein: ~2g
• Carbohydrates: ~15g
• Fat: ~6g

Enjoy these Butter Cookies as a classic, buttery treat that’s perfect for snacking, gifting, or serving at gatherings. Their rich flavor and customizable designs make them a timeless favorite for bakers of all skill levels. Whether you’re piping intricate patterns or simple swirls, these cookies are sure to delight everyone who tries them!