you're making mealtime meaningful.
There’s something about an old-fashioned cookie recipe that you just can’t beat. Those classics that have stood up to time for good reason: because they are simply delicious! And these cookies are exactly that. The name Petticoat Tails is said to have come from the French “petits cotés” (meaning little sides) or the resemblance to the underskirts worn in the 1700s. No matter the origin, these cookies are perfection and every baker should have the recipe in their collection.
With a delicate, buttery crumb and just the right touch of sweetness, these cookies seem appropriate any time of day. They are right at home alongside a cup of tea or coffee, but are also great for grabbing on to go when you need a little treat. This easy slice-and-bake method makes all the cookies beautifully uniform in shape. Folks are sure to think you picked them up at a local bakery.
While the base recipe with just a hint of vanilla flavor is a true classic, some versions mix things up with a splash of mint flavoring and green food coloring, or a bit of almond extract and red coloring. Feel free to get creative! Whether you’re carrying on a family baking tradition or starting a new one, this recipe is guaranteed to be loved by all. Give these easy cookies a try and experience the melt-in-your-mouth goodness for yourself!
Petticoat Tails
Yield(s): Makes 24 cookies
10m prep time
9m cook time
1h 30m inactive
you're making mealtime meaningful.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, room temperature
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Optional: red or green food coloring
- Optional: ½ teaspoon mint or almond extract
Preparation
- In a large mixing bowl, add butter and powdered sugar. Mix until fully combined and smooth. Mix in vanilla extract and other extract if using.
- Add flour and salt, then mix until well combined.
- Roll dough into two logs about 2.5 inches in diameter. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and place in freezer for at least 90 minutes.
- When ready to bake, preheat oven to 375 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice log into rounds about ¼-inch thick and evenly arrange on baking sheet.
- Bake cookies for 7-9 minutes or until edges just begin to brown.
- Allow cookies to cool before enjoying or storing.
Recipe adapted from Allrecipes.com