Turkish Butter Cookies (Kurabiye)

### Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Turkish Butter Cookies

#### 1. **Prepare Your Ingredients**
Before you begin, make sure your butter is **softened** at room temperature. This helps it blend more easily into the dough, creating that soft and crumbly texture. Measure out the rest of your ingredients—flour, cornstarch, sugar, vanilla, and any optional flavorings.

#### 2. **Mix the Butter and Sugar**
In a large mixing bowl, **cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar** using an electric mixer or by hand with a whisk. Beat until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is important because it helps create the delicate texture of the cookies.

#### 3. **Add the Dry Ingredients**
Once your butter and sugar mixture is well-combined, add the **all-purpose flour**, **cornstarch**, **baking powder**, and **salt**. Mix these dry ingredients together in a separate bowl before adding them to the butter mixture. This will help ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, stirring until a smooth dough forms. If you’re adding any optional flavorings, like **vanilla extract** or **citrus zest**, add them now.

#### 4. **Chill the Dough**
Once the dough is combined, it’s time to chill it. Wrap the dough in **plastic wrap** or cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rest in the refrigerator for about **30 minutes**. Chilling the dough helps it firm up, making it easier to handle when shaping the cookies.

#### 5. **Shape the Cookies**
After the dough has chilled, preheat your oven to **350°F (175°C)**. Line a baking sheet with **parchment paper** to prevent the cookies from sticking.

Now, it’s time to shape your cookies! Turkish Butter Cookies can be shaped in various ways:

– **Round Cookies**: Roll the dough into small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
– **Crescent-Shaped Cookies**: Take a small portion of dough, roll it into a ball, and then shape it into a crescent moon. This is the traditional shape for Kurabiye cookies.
– **Thumbprint Cookies**: Flatten each ball of dough slightly and use your thumb to make a small indent in the center. You can fill this indentation with a bit of jam or chocolate for a delicious twist.

Be sure to leave enough space between each cookie on the baking sheet, as they will spread a little during baking.

#### 6. **Bake the Cookies**
Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for about **12-15 minutes**, or until the edges are lightly golden. The cookies should still be pale in the center, as they’re meant to be delicate and melt in your mouth.

Keep an eye on the cookies towards the end of baking to ensure they don’t brown too much.

#### 7. **Cool and Dust with Powdered Sugar**
Once the cookies are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

If you’d like, you can **dust the cooled cookies with powdered sugar** for an extra touch of sweetness and a pretty, festive finish.

### Tips for Perfect Turkish Butter Cookies

– **Use Softened Butter**: The key to a light and crumbly texture is using softened butter. Make sure your butter is at room temperature before you start mixing.
– **Don’t Overmix the Dough**: Mix the dough just until it comes together. Overworking it can make the cookies tough, so be gentle when handling the dough.
– **Chill the Dough**: Chilling the dough is essential for achieving the right texture. It also makes the dough easier to shape and prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
– **Try Different Shapes**: Don’t be afraid to get creative with how you shape your cookies! You can try spirals, circles, or even use cookie cutters for fun shapes.

### Serving and Storing Turkish Butter Cookies

– **Serving**: Turkish Butter Cookies are perfect for serving alongside a warm cup of **Turkish tea**, **coffee**, or **hot chocolate**. They’re also a great addition to any holiday cookie platter or dessert table.
– **Storing**: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, you can store them in the refrigerator or even freeze them for up to 2 months.

### Final Thoughts

**Turkish Butter Cookies (Kurabiye)** are a delicious and simple treat that anyone can enjoy. With their buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich flavor, they’re sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you enjoy them as an everyday snack or as part of a special holiday tradition, Kurabiye are guaranteed to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to indulge in the joy of making these delightful Turkish butter cookies. Perfect for sharing with loved ones or simply enjoying with a warm beverage, these cookies will bring a touch of sweetness and warmth to any occasion. Happy baking!