Easy Butter Cookies (Print Version)

Melt-in-your-mouth classic cookies with a golden finish and a hint of vanilla, optionally dipped in chocolate.

# Ingredients:

→ Cookie Base

01 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1 large egg yolk
04 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
05 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
06 - 2 cups plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

→ Optional Chocolate Dip

07 - 1 cup dark chocolate chips
08 - 1/2 teaspoon vegetable shortening

# Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
02 - In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
03 - Add egg yolk, vanilla extract, and salt to the mixture; blend until smooth.
04 - Gradually add all-purpose flour on low speed, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
05 - Transfer half of the dough into a piping bag and pipe desired cookie shapes onto an ungreased baking sheet.
06 - Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, until edges are just golden.
07 - Remove cookies from the oven and allow to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
08 - If desired, melt dark chocolate chips with vegetable shortening in short microwave bursts. Dip cooled cookies halfway into melted chocolate and set on parchment until firm.

# Notes:

01 - For clean piping, ensure the dough is soft but not melted. Work with half the dough at a time to maintain shape and prevent overhandling.