Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Add the softened butter and granulated sugar to a mixing bowl, then beat them together for 3 to 4 minutes until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale.
- Pour in the egg yolk and vanilla extract, then mix on low speed until fully combined and smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until a cohesive dough forms.
- If the dough feels dry or crumbly, add the milk or water one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently between additions.
- Scoop dough into balls roughly the size of walnuts and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Use a cookie press or stamp tool to firmly press the iconic shapes into the top of each dough ball.
- Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, watching carefully until the edges turn light golden brown.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a cooling rack.
Notes
These cookies are perfect for themed parties, lunchboxes, or afternoon snacks and keep fresh for up to a week in an airtight container.