Milan cookies – those thin, buttery delights with a hint of delicate sweetness – are a classic for a reason. They’re the perfect accompaniment to a cup of coffee or tea, a sweet treat after dinner, or a simple indulgence anytime you crave a touch of homemade goodness.
What makes these cookies so special? Their simplicity. With just a handful of basic ingredients and a bit of time, you can create a batch of these melt-in-your-mouth wonders that will impress friends and family alike.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this guide will walk you through every step, from gathering your ingredients to achieving that perfect golden-brown finish. So, let’s preheat those ovens and embark on a baking adventure!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
Optional additions for extra flavor:
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/4 cup sprinkles
Tools of the Trade
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer)
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
- Wire rack for cooling
Let’s Bake!
Step 1: Cream Together Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, combine the softened butter and sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat them together on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
Step 2: Add Flavor and Flour
Stir in the vanilla extract (and almond extract if using). Gradually add the flour to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough.
Step 3: Chill Out
Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a disk. Wrap the disks tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight). This chilling time allows the gluten in the flour to relax, resulting in cookies that hold their shape better and have a wonderfully tender texture.
Step 4: Roll and Cut
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out shapes.
Pro Tip: If you’re making classic round Milan cookies, aim for a diameter of about 2 inches.
Step 5: Sprinkle Some Joy (Optional)
If you’re adding sprinkles, now’s the time! Gently press a few sprinkles onto each cookie before baking.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving a little space between each one. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden brown.
Keep a close eye on them: Oven temperatures can vary, so it’s always best to err on the side of caution.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy!
Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips and Tricks for Milan Cookie Success
- Butter Softness is Key: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature. This will ensure it creams properly with the sugar, creating that light and airy texture we all love.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough can develop the gluten too much, resulting in tough cookies.
- Chilling is Crucial: Don’t skip the chilling time! This step is essential for preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Uniform Thickness: When rolling out the dough, try to keep the thickness as even as possible for consistent baking.
- Storage: Once cooled, store your Milan cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce the added salt to 1/8 teaspoon.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! Wrap the dough disks tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before rolling and baking.
My cookies turned out a little crispy. What happened?
They might have baked a tad too long. Keep a close eye on them next time and adjust the baking time as needed.
Conclusion
And there you have it – a batch of homemade Milan cookies ready to be devoured! Share your baking triumphs with friends and family, or savor them all yourself.
Happy baking!
