Recipe from United Bakes of America Cookbook

AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE ON AMAZON HERE.

Inspired by American Cookery—the first cookbook published in America in 1796—United Bakes of America reimagines classic recipes with modern updates. Try the one below for Butter Cookies and enjoy a taste of late 18th-century baking. Note the use of rose water and mace, typical ingredients found at this time.

BUTTER COOKIES

Ingredients

  • 2 egg yolks

  • 1 egg white

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

  • 1 cup granulated sugar

  • 1 tbsp rose water

  • ⅛ tsp ground mace (a small pinch)

Directions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F.

  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease small tart tins or muffin cups.

  • In a mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until pale and fluffy (2–3 minutes).

  • Beat in the 2 yolks and 1 white until smooth and creamy.

  • Stir in the rose water and mace.

  • Mix in the flour gradually until a soft, stiff dough forms that is thick enough to hold its shape but not dry.

  • Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie and place on the baking sheet about 2 inches apart.

  • Bake 12–14 minutes, until lightly golden at the edges and just set in the center.

  • Let cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack to finish cooling.

4.png
1.png