I felt like they needed something extra, to make them even more fancy. So I decorated mine with royal icing. Each cookie has a different design, but I think these are the prettiest. :D
It took me almost the entire day just to decorate them, so I suggest you bake them a day ahead.
Of course, there`s no need for you to decorate them, but in my opinion...well, it`s Christmas and why not make something special?
Also, one more thing you should know: buttercookies are the best after they have "aged" a bit. That means you have to leave them at roon temperature for at least one day. They are at their best only after 3 days.
I know, waiting for a delicious treat can be sometimes painful, especially if it smells so good (like these do), but it`s worth it. They will be soft, flavourfull and perfect to be eaten.
Please note that these cookies have a lot of butter in them, which helps taste and flavour, so I wouldn`t recommend using margarine. Eventually, shortening would work as well as butter, but again, butter is the most important ingredient. Make sure you use a good quality one. It`s better if you spend a couple more money on high quality ingredients.
Here is the recipe with full instructions:
Ingredients:
250 grams butter (that`s about 2 sticks and 1/4) room temperature!
250 grams brown sugar (white granulated sugar works as well)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
grated lemon peel from 1/4 lemon
2 eggs+1 egg yolk
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
450 grams all purpose flour
For decorating (this step is optional)you`ll need royal icing different colours and sprinkles.
Directions:
1. Line 3 cookie trays (or known as "cookie sheets") with parchment paper. Set aside.
2. Beat the room temperature butter for 1 minute. Add the sugar and beat until pale and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
Then break the eggs, separately, and beat each one in, making sure everything is very well incorporated. Add the egg yolk too.
In comes the vanilla extract and garted lemon peel.
3. Switch to a spatula and incorporate the flour and the baking soda in the mixture mentioned above. You should get a dough that forms into a ball. Take it out of the bowl, wrap the dough ball in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for 1 hour.
4. After such time, take the dough out. Meanwhile, preheat your oven at 375 degrees F/ 180 Celsius. Add a bit of flour to your work surface, to make sure that nothing sticks, and flour your rolling pin as well.
5. Roll the dough ball into a rectangle or circle (the shape doesn`t matter) that should be 1/4 cm thick.
6.Now choose your favourite cookie cutters, dunk them in a bit of flour before cutting into the dough.
7. Arrange the cookies on your prepared baking sheets and bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until you see the edges start to brown. Take the tray out, put it on a wire rack. Let it stand for 3 minutes. After such time, take the cookies and set them on a big platter to cool completely.
That`s it! Get to decorating :D
Happy Holidays ;)
