STEP 1: PREHEAT THE OVEN

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating ensures that your cookies bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden color.

STEP 2: CREAM THE BUTTER AND SUGARS

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process typically takes about 3-5 minutes and is crucial for achieving the right texture. The air incorporated during this step will help your cookies rise and create a tender crumb.

STEP 3: ADD EGG YOLK AND VANILLA

Once the butter and sugars are well combined, add the egg yolk and vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated. The egg yolk adds richness and moisture, while the vanilla enhances the flavor profile of your cookies.

STEP 4: MIX IN THE DRY INGREDIENTS

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; this can lead to tough cookies. The dough should be soft but not sticky, and you can adjust with a bit more flour if needed.

STEP 5: OPTIONAL ADD-INS

If you’d like to incorporate any add-ins, such as chocolate chips or nuts, gently fold them into the dough at this stage. These optional ingredients add variety and fun textures to your cookies.

STEP 6: SHAPE THE COOKIES

Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, portion out the dough onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. You can leave them as mounds or flatten them slightly with the back of a fork or your fingers, depending on your desired cookie shape.

STEP 7: BAKE

Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them, as baking times may vary depending on your oven and the size of the cookies.

STEP 8: COOL

Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. This cooling time allows them to firm up a bit, making them easier to handle.