There is something irresistibly joyful about the simplicity of Butter Cookies: golden, crumbly, and delicately sweet, these classic treats bring back warm memories of holidays and cozy afternoons. Whether you’re baking them for a festive gathering, as a homemade gift, or just a personal treat, Butter Cookies make every occasion a little more special. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and pure, rich flavor, they are proof that a handful of humble ingredients can come together to create pure cookie magic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Butter Cookies shine because the ingredients are straightforward yet essential, each playing a unique role in creating that signature taste and texture. Think of it as taking the best pantry staples and letting them work their buttery, sweet magic!
- Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened): The star of the show! Using high-quality butter gives butter cookies their rich flavor and luscious mouthfeel.
- Granulated Sugar (2/3 cup): You get just the right amount of sweetness, and it also helps with the cookies’ lightly crisp edges.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): This small addition balances sweetness and deepens the butter flavor.
- Large Egg (1): Adds structure and richness, binding everything together beautifully.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): For that aromatic warmth and nostalgic depth of flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour (2 1/4 cups): The backbone of the cookie, providing just-right crumb and tenderness.
How to Make Butter Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Station
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This little bit of prep makes cleanup easy and helps the cookies bake evenly without sticking.
Step 2: Cream the Butter, Sugar, and Salt
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and salt together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes, and it is key to creating the tender, melt-in-the-mouth crumb that makes Butter Cookies so special.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Beat until everything is smooth and creamy. The egg adds richness and structure, while the vanilla infuses the dough with its inviting aroma.
Step 4: Mix in the Flour
Gradually add the all-purpose flour, keeping your mixer on low speed. Mix just until the dough comes together. The key is to avoid over-mixing, which can make cookies tough instead of delicate.
Step 5: Shape the Dough
This is where you can get creative! Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and gently flatten, pipe it through a star tip for those classic ridged cookies, or form the dough into a log, chill, and slice into rounds. Give each cookie a little space (about 2 inches apart) on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, just until the edges are lightly golden but the centers still look pale. They’ll firm up as they cool. Let them rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling. The wait is totally worth it!
How to Serve Butter Cookies
Garnishes
While Butter Cookies are delightful just as they are, you can dress them up a bit for extra flair. Try dipping half of each cookie in melted chocolate, then sprinkling with chopped nuts or colorful sprinkles. A dusting of powdered sugar adds a simple, snowy look that’s always elegant.
Side Dishes
Pair your homemade Butter Cookies with a cup of tea, hot cocoa, or freshly brewed coffee for a classic treat. They’re also lovely next to a dish of ice cream, or served alongside fresh berries for a sweet and tart contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Package Butter Cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon for irresistible homemade gifts. Stack them in decorative tins, arrange on pretty platters, or layer them between sheets of parchment for a holiday cookie box. They’re as pleasing to the eye as they are to the palate!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Butter Cookies keep beautifully at room temperature. Store them in an airtight container for up to a week, and they’ll stay fresh and buttery, ready to brighten up any moment.
Freezing
You can freeze Butter Cookies after baking (once cooled), or freeze the unbaked dough (either rolled into a log or already shaped). Just thaw at room temperature before enjoying or baking as usual. Cookies will keep their flavor and texture for up to three months in the freezer.
Reheating
If your cookies lose a bit of their crispness, quickly refresh them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 3–5 minutes. They’ll taste like they just came out of the oven – warm, aromatic, and oh-so-inviting!
FAQs
Can I make the dough in advance?
Absolutely! Butter Cookies dough can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to bake, let the dough soften slightly at room temperature for easier handling and shaping.
What’s the best way to get classic piped butter cookies?
Use a sturdy piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Make sure your dough is soft but not too warm, as that makes piping easier. If the dough is too stiff, let it sit on the counter for a few minutes to soften before piping.
Can I flavor the dough with something other than vanilla?
Definitely! Citrus zest (like lemon or orange), almond extract, or even a touch of cinnamon can put a fun twist on traditional Butter Cookies. Just make sure to adjust the amount to avoid overpowering the buttery flavor.
How do I keep butter cookies from spreading too much?
Chill the shaped cookies on the baking sheet for about 15 minutes before baking, especially if your kitchen is warm. This helps the cookies keep their lovely shape and prevents excessive spreading in the oven.
Are Butter Cookies good for gifting?
They’re fantastic gifts! Their long shelf life and charming appearance make them ideal for holidays and special occasions. Tins, jars, or pretty boxes packed with Butter Cookies are guaranteed to make anyone smile.
Final Thoughts
You truly can’t go wrong with Butter Cookies. Their simplicity, warm flavor, and charming looks make them an absolute crowd-pleaser, no matter the season. Grab those basic ingredients and let yourself indulge in the timeless pleasure of homemade cookies – you might just create a new tradition!
Print
Butter Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and buttery, these classic butter cookies are perfect for any occasion. This simple recipe yields tender cookies with a hint of vanilla flavor.
Ingredients
Butter Cookies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix butter, sugar, and salt: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, sugar, and salt until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until combined.
- Add flour: Gradually add the flour, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms.
- Shape the cookies: Roll the dough into balls, flatten, pipe using a star tip, or shape into a log and slice. Place cookies on the baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes until lightly golden. Cool on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For variety, dip cooled cookies in melted chocolate and top with sprinkles or crushed nuts.
- Dough can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 20 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
