Are you craving a delightful treat that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion? Look no further than these scrumptious vanilla cookies! In this article, we’ll guide you through the simple steps to create these mouthwatering delights from scratch. From gathering the ingredients to baking to perfection, we’ve got you covered.
1. Gather Your Ingredients
Before you start baking, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup self-raising flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup icing sugar
- 3 tbsp cornflour
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 or 2 tbsp milk (if needed)
- Note: If you don’t have self-raising flour, you can add 1 tsp of baking powder.
2. Preparing the Dough
Now that you have all your ingredients, it’s time to start baking!
Mixing the Ingredients
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, vanilla extract, and icing sugar until light and pale.
Adding Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the self-raising flour, cornflour, and salt to the creamed mixture. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Shaping the Cookies
Once your dough is ready, it’s time to shape your cookies!
Rolling the Dough
- Use a tablespoon or an ice cream scoop to portion out the dough.
- Roll each portion into a ball and place them on a lined baking tray.
Adding Patterns
- Use a fork to gently press down on each dough ball, creating a pattern on the surface.
4. Baking the Cookies
Now that your cookies are shaped, it’s time to bake them to golden perfection!
Preheating the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F).
Baking Time
- Place the baking tray in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the cookies are slightly golden brown.
5. Enjoying Your Cookies
Once baked, allow your cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before indulging in their deliciousness!
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve successfully baked a batch of mouthwatering vanilla cookies that are sure to impress. Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of tea or sharing them with friends and family, these homemade treats are bound to be a hit. So go ahead, take a bite, and savor the sweet taste of success!
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
- While you can use salted butter, it may alter the overall taste of the cookies. It’s best to stick to unsalted butter for the perfect balance of flavors.
2. How should I store leftover cookies?
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week for optimal freshness.
3. Can I freeze the cookie dough?
- Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough for future use. Simply shape the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag once frozen solid. When ready to bake, simply thaw the dough and bake as usual.
4. Can I omit the cornflour from the recipe?
- Cornflour helps create a tender texture in the cookies, but you can omit it if necessary. However, the texture may be slightly different.
5. Can I add chocolate chips or nuts to the dough?
- Absolutely! Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit for extra flavor and texture.
