Crisp, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious, these butter cookies are a timeless treat. Perfect with a cup of tea or coffee, they’re a classic favorite for holidays, special occasions, or just because!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples, this recipe is straightforward and fuss-free.
- Irresistible Texture: Buttery, crumbly, and tender, they practically dissolve in your mouth.
- Versatile: Shape them into logs, circles, or use cookie cutters for festive designs.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Store the dough or baked cookies for a convenient treat anytime.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Granulated sugar
- All-purpose flour
- Vanilla extract
- Salt
- Optional: Egg yolk (for a richer dough)
Directions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add Vanilla: Mix in the vanilla extract until combined.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until the dough just comes together. Avoid overmixing.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
- Shape the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the dough into small balls, logs, or use a piping bag for swirled designs. Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Serve: Once cooled, enjoy with your favorite beverage or as a sweet snack.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 1 hour
Variations
- Add a Glaze: Drizzle with a simple sugar glaze or dip in melted chocolate for added sweetness.
- Festive Shapes: Use cookie cutters for holiday shapes and sprinkle with colored sugar.
- Flavor Twists: Add a teaspoon of almond extract or citrus zest for a unique flavor profile.
- Sandwich Cookies: Use jam or Nutella between two cookies for a decadent treat.
- Decorate: Top with sprinkles, chopped nuts, or edible glitter before baking.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Freezing Dough: Freeze the unbaked dough for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.
- Freezing Baked Cookies: Freeze baked cookies in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to balance the flavors.
Why does my dough crack when shaping?
The dough may be too cold. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before shaping.
Can I make these cookies without a mixer?
Yes, you can mix the ingredients by hand, but it may take more effort to achieve a creamy consistency.
How can I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
Chill the dough before baking and avoid over-softening the butter.
Can I add chocolate chips or nuts to the dough?
Absolutely! Fold in mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit for extra texture and flavor.
Why are my cookies hard instead of tender?
Overbaking or using too much flour can lead to harder cookies. Be sure to measure accurately and monitor baking time.
Can I pipe the dough into shapes?
Yes, but ensure the dough is soft enough to pipe. If it’s too firm, let it warm up slightly before piping.
Are these cookies good for gifting?
Yes! They’re perfect for packaging in decorative tins or boxes for a thoughtful gift.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply double the ingredients while maintaining the same ratios.
What’s the best way to achieve a golden edge?
Bake until the edges are just golden, and keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to avoid overbaking.
Conclusion
These best butter cookies are a delightfully simple yet indulgent treat that never goes out of style. With their crisp texture and rich, buttery flavor, they’re perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a special gift, or just a cozy moment at home, this recipe is a foolproof way to satisfy your sweet tooth. Bake a batch today and enjoy the magic of homemade butter cookies!
Print
Best Butter Cookies
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Best Butter Cookies are melt-in-your-mouth delicious with a rich, buttery flavor and a tender crumb. Perfect for holidays, gifting, or a simple treat with your afternoon coffee, these classic cookies are easy to make and utterly irresistible.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional Decorations:
- Sanding sugar or sprinkles
- Melted chocolate for drizzling
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
- Shape the Cookies:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a star tip for classic shapes, or roll the dough into 1-inch balls for a simpler design. Flatten the balls slightly with a fork or the bottom of a glass.
- Decorate (Optional):
- If desired, sprinkle the cookies with sanding sugar or add decorations before baking.
- Bake:
- Bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional Finishing Touches:
- Drizzle or dip the cooled cookies in melted chocolate and allow to set for an extra-special touch.
Notes
- For a citrus twist, add 1 teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough.
- These cookies store well in an airtight container for up to 1 week or can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Make the dough ahead and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Let it soften slightly before shaping and baking.