Butter Biscuits

Introduction:

Butter biscuits, also known as butter cookies or shortbread cookies, are a classic treat loved by many for their rich, buttery flavor and delicate, crumbly texture. These biscuits are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed on their own, paired with a cup of tea or coffee, or used as a base for various desserts like ice cream sandwiches or cheesecake crusts. Making butter biscuits at home allows you to customize them to your preference and enjoy the irresistible aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through your kitchen.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour , packed
• 1 Tbsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup butter, salted, cut in small pieces

Preparation:

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy using a hand mixer or stand mixer.

Step 3: Add the vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix until well combined.

Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt.

Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until a dough forms and all the flour is incorporated. Be careful not to overmix.

COOKING Note:

The dough should come together and easily form into a ball. If it seems too crumbly, you can add a tablespoon of milk or water to help bind it together.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve the butter biscuits warm from the oven with a dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of additional granulated sugar on top.
• Enjoy them alongside a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat.
• Use them as a base for desserts like strawberry shortcake, fruit tarts, or ice cream sandwiches.

Tips:

• To achieve a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture, be sure not to overmix the dough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• For a decorative touch, use a fork to gently press down on the tops of the biscuits before baking to create a crisscross pattern.
• Experiment with different flavor variations by adding ingredients like lemon zest, almond extract, or chocolate chips to the dough.

Prep Time:

15 minutes

Cooking Time:

10-12 minutes

Total Time:

25-27 minutes

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 120 kcal per biscuit
• Protein: 1g
• Carbs: 10g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Sugar: 5g
• Fat: 8g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Calcium: 5mg
• Potassium: 20mg

Alternative recipe for vegans:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup vegan buttery spread (such as Earth Balance)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Steps:

1. Follow the same preparation steps as the original recipe, substituting vegan buttery spread for butter.

Alternative recipe for vegetarians:

Ingredients:

• Follow the original recipe, as it’s already suitable for vegetarians.

Alternative recipe for Kids:

Ingredients:

• Follow the original recipe, but consider adding colorful sprinkles or chocolate chips to the dough for a fun twist.

FAQ:

1. Can I freeze the dough for later use?
   Yes, you can wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
2. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
   While you can use salted butter, it’s best to use unsalted butter and adjust the salt to your taste to control the overall saltiness of the biscuits.
3. How long will the butter biscuits stay fresh?
   Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, butter biscuits will stay fresh for up to one week.
4. Can I use cookie cutters to shape the biscuits?
   Yes, you can roll out the dough and use cookie cutters to create different shapes before baking.
5. Can I substitute other types of flour, such as whole wheat flour or almond flour?
   While you can experiment with different flours, keep in mind that it may affect the texture and flavor of the biscuits.

Conclusion:

Butter biscuits are a timeless classic that are simple to make yet irresistibly delicious. Whether you enjoy them plain or dressed up with toppings or fillings, these buttery treats are sure to delight your taste buds and bring joy to any occasion. With just a few basic ingredients and a little bit of time, you can whip up a batch of homemade butter biscuits that will impress family and friends alike.