Basic Butter Cookies With Four Flavor Variations

Name: Basic Butter Cookies With Four Flavor Variations
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup butter softened; 1 cup powdered sugar; 3 cups flour; 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder sifted; 1/3 cup ground hazelnuts; 1/4 cup milk chocolate finely chopped; 2/3 cup dried cranberries finely chopped; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon grated lemon peel finely; 1 teaspoon grated orange peel finely

Servings: persons

1
Beat the butter and sifted powdered sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Stir in the flour, in 2 batches.
2
Knead the dough on lightly floured surface until smooth. Divide the dough in half. Roll each half into a 10-inch log. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 1 hour or until firm.
3
Preheat the oven to 350u00b0F. Grease 2 baking pans and line with parchment paper.
4
Using a sharp knife, cut the logs into 1/4 inch-thick slices. Place 2 inches apart on prepared pans.
5
Bake for about 10 mins or until lightly browned. Cool in pan 2 mins. Remove from pan; cool completely on wire rack.
6
For the chocolate and hazelnut variation, beat the cocoa powder into the butter and sugar mixture. Stir in the hazelnuts and finely chopped chocolate before adding the flour. Continue as directed.
7
For the dried cranberry variation, stir the dried cranberries into the butter and sugar mixture. Continue as directed.
8
For the vanilla variation, beat vanilla extract into the butter and sugar mixture. Continue as directed.
9
For the lemon variation, beat the finely grated lemon peel into the butter and sugar mixture. Continue as directed.
10
For the orange variation, beat the finely grated orange peel into the butter and sugar mixture. Continue as directed.

952

kcal

Calories

Fat

113

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Preheat the oven fully and bake on the middle rack for the most even results.
Check for doneness a few minutes early — a toothpick in the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs.
Let it cool before slicing so it sets properly and holds its shape.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.
Leave out the nuts to make it nut-free, or swap in seeds for a similar crunch.
A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free version.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 10 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1 cup butter softened, 1 cup powdered sugar, 3 cups flour, 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder sifted, and more.

Yes, Basic Butter Cookies With Four Flavor Variations falls under the Baking & Desserts category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months — no need to refrigerate or reheat.

That's it — enjoy your meal!