Ouma se Koekies
Grandmother's Butter Cookies
A classic South African butter cookie, often called 'Ouma se Koekies' (Grandmother's Cookies). These are simple, comforting, and delightfully buttery, perfect for tea time or a sweet treat.
🧂 Ingredients
- 200g Unsalted Butter(Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming.)
- 150g Granulated Sugar(Or caster sugar for a finer texture.)
- 2 Large Eggs(Room temperature eggs will incorporate better.)
- 400g All-Purpose Flour
- 2 tsp Baking Powder(Check expiry date to ensure leavening power.)
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract(Adds a lovely aroma and depth of flavor.)
- 1/4 tsp Salt(Enhances the overall flavor profile.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 2
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer (or a sturdy whisk and some elbow grease) until the mixture is light, pale, and fluffy. This process should take about 3-5 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 3
Add the room temperature eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated. If using, stir in the vanilla extract.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 4
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt (if using).
⏱️ 2 minutes - 5
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three additions, mixing on low speed (or stirring gently with a spatula) until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; stop as soon as no dry streaks of flour remain. The dough will be soft.
⏱️ 3 minutes - 6
Chill the dough for at least 15-20 minutes. This will make it easier to handle and prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
⏱️ 20 minutes (chilling) - 7
Drop rounded teaspoonfuls of the chilled dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches (5 cm) between each cookie to allow for spreading.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 8
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers are set. The exact baking time will depend on your oven and the size of your cookies.
⏱️ 12-15 minutes - 9
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from breaking.
⏱️ 10 minutes (cooling)
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a smoother dough, ensure your butter is truly softened but not melted.
- ✓Don't overmix the dough after adding the flour, as this can lead to tough cookies.
- ✓Chilling the dough is a crucial step for achieving the right texture and shape.
- ✓These cookies are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add 100g of chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the dough after step 5.
- Mix in 50g of desiccated coconut with the dry ingredients in step 4.
- Sprinkle the tops with a little extra sugar before baking for a slight crunch.