World's Best Butter Cookies (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

01 - Unsalted butter, softened, 1 cup (230g).
02 - Powdered sugar, 1 cup (120g).
03 - Pure vanilla extract, 2 teaspoons.
04 - All-purpose flour, 2 cups (250g).
05 - Salt, 1/4 teaspoon.

# Instructions:

01 - Heat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment or silicone mats.
02 - Beat butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy, 2-3 minutes. Mix in vanilla extract.
03 - Gradually mix in flour and salt on low speed just until dough comes together. Don't overmix.
04 - Form 1-inch dough balls or pipe shapes using a star tip. Place 2 inches apart on prepared sheets.
05 - Bake 10-12 minutes until edges are just golden but tops remain pale.
06 - Let cookies cool 5 minutes on baking sheet, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.

# Notes:

01 - Can add almond extract or lemon zest for variety.
02 - Can decorate with sugar before baking or chocolate after.
03 - Stores up to 1 week in airtight container.