Welcome to the delightful world of butter cookies! If you’re craving a treat that perfectly balances a rich, buttery flavor with a melt-in-your-mouth texture, you’re in the right place.
These cookies are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile; whether you choose to use a cookie press, drop them by the spoonful, or roll and slice the dough, the results are always scrumptious. Join us as we explore this simple recipe that promises to deliver cookies you’ll want to make time and time again!
The Appeal of Pasta Salads
Pasta salads, such as Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad, provide a delightful option for those seeking comfort food that is also easy to prepare. These salads cater to various palates, offering the perfect canvas to experiment with flavors and ingredients.
In addition to their scrumptious taste, pasta salads can be made ahead of time, making them a convenient dish for busy individuals and families.
Homemade Butter Cookies (Recipe + Video) – Sally’s Baking Addiction
Butter Cookies – Preppy Kitchen
Butter Cookies – Sugar Spun Run
Butter Cookie Recipe (The Best) – smallown woman
Why Choose Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad?
One of the standout features of Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is its unique flavor profile. Together, the crispy bacon, tangy ranch dressing, and bright pasta create an explosion of taste with every bite. This combination appeals to many, as the saltiness of the bacon complements the creamy ranch, and the pasta adds body and chewy texture.
Preparation for Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is swift and straightforward. The dish typically requires only 15 minutes for initial preparation and can be served chilled or at room temperature, making it practical for any occasion. This ease of preparation contributes to its popularity, especially among those who lead busy lives or are inexperienced in the kitchen.
This salad is often described as a “crowd-pleaser,” and for good reason. Its rich and satisfying flavor caters to various taste preferences, making it suitable for gatherings, potlucks, or picnics. The familiar components – pasta, bacon, and ranch – make the dish approachable for even the pickiest eaters.
Nutritional Aspects
While Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is undeniably delicious, understanding its nutritional aspects helps in making informed choices. Understanding serving sizes is crucial when enjoying Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad. While the mix of ingredients creates a hearty side dish, moderation is essential to keep within daily caloric needs.
Contrasting a smaller serving of this salad with a balanced meal could provide satisfaction without overwhelming those maintaining a calorie-conscious lifestyle.
Conclusion
Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad captures the essence of comfort food while being easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying. Its combination of flavors, textures, and versatility makes it an ideal choice for various occasions. Whether made for a summer barbecue, family gathering, or a simple weeknight meal, this dish is sure to delight and leave a lasting impression on guests.
As culinary trends continue to evolve, the popularity of Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is likely to endure, showcasing the timeless appeal of its ingredients and flavor.
Butter Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup (16 Tbsp; 226g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 2 and 1/4 cups (281g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1–2 Tablespoons (15–30ml) milk
- **Optional Toppings
- 4 ounces (113) semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped*
- maraschino cherries
- sprinkles or coarse sugar
Instructions
- Before you begin:
- Read through the entire recipe and the Notes section.
- Make sure you have enough space in your refrigerator for a baking sheet, as the shaped cookies will need to chill for 20–30 minutes. This prevents spreading.
- Line 2–3 large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. If you're not lining them, do not grease the pans.
- In a large bowl, using a handheld mixer or a stand mixer with a paddle attachment:
- Beat the butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed until smooth (about 2 minutes).
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract, then beat on high speed until combined (about 1 minute).
- Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl and beat again if needed to fully combine the ingredients.
- Add the flour and salt to the bowl and beat on low speed.
- Increase to high speed and beat until completely combined.
- On medium speed, beat in 1.5 Tablespoons of milk. You might need up to 2–2.5 Tablespoons of milk to get a creamy, pipeable, yet thick dough. Remember, more milk means more spreading, so chilling the shaped cookies is essential.
- Prepare your piping bag:
- Add your large piping tip to the piping bag.
- Spoon a small amount of dough into the piping bag.
- Pipe a 1–2-inch swirl or line onto a prepared baking sheet. If the dough is too thick to pipe, transfer it back to the mixing bowl and add another 1/2 Tablespoon of milk.
- If the dough is creamy enough, continue piping 1–2-inch swirls or lines, spacing them 3 inches apart on the baking sheet.
- If you like, place a maraschino cherry in the center of the swirl or sprinkle with sprinkles and/or coarse sugar.
- Transfer the baking sheet with the shaped cookies to the refrigerator and chill for 20–30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
- Bake the chilled cookies for 12–15 minutes, or until the sides are lightly browned. Smaller cookies may be done closer to 12 minutes.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional Chocolate Coating:
- Melt the chocolate in a double boiler or microwave. If using the microwave, place chopped chocolate in a medium heatproof bowl and melt in 20-second increments, stirring after each, until smooth.
- Dip the cooled cookies in the melted chocolate and top with sprinkles, if desired.
- Allow the chocolate to set completely at room temperature for about 1 hour or in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.
- Storage:
- Plain cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Cookies with chocolate or cherries stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for 4 days or in the refrigerator for 1 week.
Hey readers! Chip Holland here, and I’m a Manager of this website. My passion for writing about it only matches my passion for BBQ. Follow my blog for mouth-watering recipes, tips, and tricks for the perfect smoke, grill, and BBQ. I’m sure you won’t be disappointed!