Vanilla Butter Cookies with a Twist

These delightful vanilla butter cookies combine the classic flavors of traditional butter cookies with a creative twist of lemon zest and a pinch of sea salt. Each cookie is buttery, crumbly, and sweet, offering a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Perfect for tea time or as a sweet treat any time of day, these cookies are simple to make and meet various dietary preferences.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups plain flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup caster sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 egg yolk (optional for richness)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and caster sugar together until light and fluffy.
3. Add the vanilla extract, lemon zest, and sea salt, mixing until well combined.
4. If using, add the egg yolk and mix until incorporated.
5. Gradually add the plain flour, mixing until the dough comes together. Do not overmix.
6. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
7. Flatten each ball gently with the bottom of a glass or your hand, creating a disc shape.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
9. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.