Vanilla extract is a staple in baking, renowned for its ability to enhance flavors and add depth to sweet treats. Pure vanilla extract contains real vanilla bean essence, making it a superior choice compared to imitation vanilla. Using pure vanilla extract can elevate your cookies, providing a warm, aromatic flavor that is both comforting and delicious.

To make these soft and chewy vanilla cookies, you'll need the following ingredients:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
Optional: Granulated sugar or sprinkles for rolling

1. Prepare Your Ingredients

Before you start, ensure that your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, which helps create a soft, chewy texture in your cookies.

3. Add Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the egg and pure vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. The vanilla will infuse the dough with its rich flavor.

4. Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.

5. Scoop and Shape the Cookies

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. If desired, roll the dough balls in granulated sugar or sprinkles for added sweetness and a festive touch.

6. Bake

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may appear slightly underbaked, but they will continue to firm up as they cool.

7. Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your freshly baked vanilla cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage!

Storage: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to maintain their freshness.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time and freeze it. Just scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. When you're ready to bake, simply bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Variations: Feel free to add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits to the dough for additional flavors and textures.

This pure vanilla extract cookie recipe is not only easy to make but also results in soft, chewy cookies bursting with vanilla flavor. Whether you're baking for a special occasion or just for a sweet treat, these cookies are sure to impress. So grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy the delightful taste of homemade vanilla cookies!