Butter cookies

By our definition, butter cookies are simple, showing off the most basic baking ingredients ― butter, sugar, and flour ― to their very best advantage. In this chapter, you’ll find several types of butter cookies, from crumbly, toasted shortbread, to light, powdered sugar-dusted tea cakes, also known as “meltaways” or “wedding cakes.” All of the cookies in this chapter have a rich buttery flavor that makes them perfect for savoring, either on their own or with a cup of tea.

Helpful hints:

• Expect the dough mixture for shortbread and tea cakes to look dry and crumbly before it comes together.

• If the dough becomes sticky as you work, chill it until firm but still pliable.

• A food processor is an easy way to mix these kinds of doughs. If you use a standing electric mixer, fit it with the paddle attachment.

• If mixing by hand, use a sturdy wooden spoon or your hands to mix until the dry ingredients are completely incorporated into the butter mixture.

Scottish Shortbread

Ginger Shortbread

Brown Sugar Masa Shortbread

Brown Sugar Shortbread

Raspberry Shortbread Sandwiches

Danish Butter Cookies

Almond Butter Cookies

Mexican Wedding Cakes

Orange Butter Shells

Chocolate Chip-Peanut Meltaways

Louisiana Pecan Balls

Florentine Wedding Cakes

Greek Almond Tea Cakes

Hazelnut Crescents

Pecan Spice Tea Cakes