Yes, you can make cookies with cold butter, and in some cases, it's even preferred! Using cold butter can result in cookies with a firmer, less sticky dough that's easier to handle and a more desirable texture in the final product.
Here's a breakdown of why and how to use cold butter when making cookies:
Why Use Cold Butter for Cookies?
- Firm Dough: Cold butter helps keep the dough firm, preventing excessive spreading during baking.
- Less Sticky: A dough made with cold butter is generally less sticky and easier to work with, especially when rolling out sugar cookies or shortbread.
- Desirable Texture: Cold butter can contribute to a sandy or crumbly texture, which is often desirable in certain types of cookies. This is because the butter doesn't fully incorporate, creating small pockets of fat that melt during baking and create flakiness.
Types of Cookies that Benefit from Cold Butter
- Sugar Cookies: Using cold butter allows for cleaner cutouts and less spreading.
- Shortbread: The cold butter contributes to the signature crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Pinch Cookies (Thumbprint Cookies): Helps maintain the shape of the cookie during baking.
- Certain Drop Cookies: Some recipes may call for cold butter to control spreading and achieve a chewier texture.
How to Work with Cold Butter
- Cut the Butter: Cut the cold butter into small cubes. This will make it easier to incorporate into the dry ingredients.
- Use a Pastry Blender or Food Processor: For best results, use a pastry blender or food processor to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Keep Ingredients Cold: Ensure other ingredients, like eggs and milk, are also cold to maintain the desired dough temperature.
- Chill the Dough: After mixing, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes (or longer, depending on the recipe) to further firm up the butter and prevent excessive spreading.
When to Use Softened Butter Instead
It's important to note that many cookie recipes call for softened butter (room temperature). Softened butter helps create a softer, chewier cookie that spreads more during baking. Recipes for cookies like chocolate chip cookies typically benefit from softened butter. Always follow the recipe's instructions for the best outcome.
In summary, using cold butter in cookie recipes can be advantageous for specific cookie types, resulting in a less sticky dough, a firmer texture, and reduced spreading. Just be sure to choose the right butter temperature based on the recipe you're using!
