Button Cookies are adorable, bite-sized treats that resemble tiny buttons! These buttery, slightly crisp cookies are perfect for tea parties, holiday baking, or gifting. With their simple yet charming design, they’re as fun to make as they are to eat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Cute and unique – A fun twist on classic cookies.
- Easy to make – Simple ingredients and minimal prep.
- Great for decorating – Customize with colors, flavors, or icing.
- Perfect for gifts – These make an adorable edible present.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- All-purpose flour
- Butter, softened
- Sugar (granulated or powdered)
- Egg yolk
- Vanilla extract
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Food coloring (optional, for colored buttons)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make the dough: In a bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the egg yolk and vanilla extract.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix into the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.
- Color the dough (optional): If using food coloring, divide the dough and mix in your desired colors.
- Shape the cookies: Roll dough into small balls and flatten slightly. Use a round cutter or bottle cap to shape the button edges, then poke holes in the center using a straw or toothpick to create a button effect.
- Bake: Place on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden.
- Cool and serve: Let cool before enjoying!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: About 24 button cookies
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 12 minutes
- Total time: 27 minutes
Variations
- Chocolate version – Replace 2 tbsp of flour with cocoa powder.
- Lemon twist – Add lemon zest for a fresh citrusy flavor.
- Sugar-coated – Roll in colored sugar before baking.
- Filled buttons – Sandwich two cookies with jam or chocolate spread.
Storage
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked dough for up to 2 months, then bake as needed.
FAQs
How do I make perfect button shapes?
Use a bottle cap to create the outer rim and a straw to poke the holes.
Can I make these cookies in different colors?
Yes! Add food coloring to the dough for colorful button cookies.
What’s the best way to decorate them?
You can drizzle with icing, dip in chocolate, or dust with powdered sugar.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free flour blend.
Can I add spices?
Absolutely! Cinnamon, nutmeg, or almond extract add great flavor.
What can I serve with button cookies?
They pair well with tea, coffee, or hot chocolate.
How do I prevent them from spreading too much?
Chill the dough for 20 minutes before baking.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, but butter gives the best flavor and texture.
Are these cookies soft or crispy?
They’re slightly crisp on the edges and tender in the center.
Can I turn these into sandwich cookies?
Yes! Fill them with jam, Nutella, or cream cheese frosting.
Conclusion
Button Cookies are as fun to make as they are to eat! Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or just for fun, these adorable treats are sure to impress. Try them today and enjoy a bite-sized delight!
Print
Button Cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert, Cookies
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American, European
Description
These Button Cookies are adorable, buttery shortbread-style treats with a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Perfect for tea parties, holiday gifts, or a fun baking project with kids!
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for extra tenderness)
- 1 tablespoon milk (if needed)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make the dough: In a large bowl, beat butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in vanilla extract.
- Add dry ingredients: Stir in flour, salt, and cornstarch until a soft dough forms. If the dough is too dry, add 1 tablespoon of milk.
- Roll and cut: Roll out the dough to ¼-inch thickness. Use a small round cutter (1-2 inches wide) to cut out circles.
- Make button holes: Use a straw or the tip of a piping nozzle to create 2-4 small holes in the center of each cookie.
- Bake: Place cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool & serve: Let cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Enjoy as is, or tie them together with thread for a cute “button” look!
Notes
- Flavor variations: Add lemon zest, almond extract, or cinnamon for extra flavor.
- Decorating tips: Dip in chocolate, dust with powdered sugar, or sandwich with jam for a fun twist.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.