Vanilla Butter Cookies

### Instructions:

#### 1. **Preheat the Oven**:
– Start by preheating your oven to **350°F (175°C)**. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them to prevent the cookies from sticking.

#### 2. **Cream the Butter and Sugar**:
– In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the **softened butter** and **granulated sugar**. Beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about **2-3 minutes**.

#### 3. **Add the Egg and Vanilla**:
– Add the **egg** and **vanilla extract** to the creamed butter mixture. Continue mixing until everything is well incorporated.

#### 4. **Combine Dry Ingredients**:
– In a separate bowl, whisk together the **flour**, **salt**, and **baking powder**. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of your cookies.

#### 5. **Shape the Dough**:
– Once the dough is formed, it should be soft but not too sticky. If the dough is too sticky to handle, you can chill it in the refrigerator for about **30 minutes**. For shaping, you can either roll the dough into small balls and flatten them with a fork or your fingers to create a simple round shape.
– If you want to add some extra flair, sprinkle **colored sugar** or **sprinkles** on top of each cookie before baking for a festive touch.

#### 6. **Bake**:
– Place the shaped dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie as they will spread slightly. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about **8-10 minutes**, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden brown.
– Keep an eye on the cookies toward the end of baking as oven times may vary. You don’t want to overbake them, as they should remain soft and tender in the center.

#### 7. **Cool and Serve**:
– Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
– Once cooled, enjoy them as they are, or add a layer of icing for extra sweetness!

### Tips for Perfect Vanilla Butter Cookies:

– **Use Room Temperature Butter**: Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother dough.
– **Don’t Overmix the Dough**: Once the flour is added, mix just until the dough comes together to avoid tough cookies.
– **Chill the Dough if Necessary**: If the dough is too soft to shape, pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes to make it easier to work with.
– **Add Extra Flavors**: While vanilla is the classic choice for flavor, you can also add a bit of almond extract, citrus zest, or even a pinch of cinnamon for variety.
– **Try Rolling the Dough in Sugar**: For a little crunch and sparkle, roll the cookie dough balls in sugar before baking. It gives the cookies a nice finish and extra sweetness.

### Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Recipe:

**Vanilla butter cookies** are one of those timeless treats that everyone loves. The combination of buttery richness and sweet vanilla flavor is universally adored, and these cookies have a way of disappearing quickly! Whether you enjoy them plain or add sprinkles for a fun twist, these cookies are perfect for every occasion.

They also make great gifts! You can package them in a decorative tin or jar, making them the ideal homemade gift for friends, family, or colleagues. They’ll bring a smile to anyone who receives them.

So, whether you’re new to baking or an experienced pro, this **vanilla butter cookie** recipe is a must-try. It’s simple, satisfying, and absolutely delicious. Enjoy!