If you’re searching for a treat that’s irresistibly crisp, delicate, and loaded with rich buttery flavor, you simply have to try Butter Cookies. This classic recipe creates a batch of cookies that almost melt on your tongue, with a golden exterior and soft crumb that makes them perfect for afternoon tea, holiday gifting, or just a sweet pick-me-up at any moment. Simple yet sublime, Butter Cookies truly exemplify how a handful of everyday ingredients can create something extraordinary!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Butter Cookies is that every ingredient is easy to find, yet each one brings its own magic to the flavor and texture of these treats. Here’s what you’ll need, along with why each element matters:
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): The cornerstone of Butter Cookies – it gives a rich, velvety taste and helps create that iconic tender crumb.
- Granulated sugar (¾ cup): Adds sweetness while also giving the cookies structure and a delicate snap.
- Large egg (1): Binds the dough for a cohesive texture, making the cookies just the right amount of chewy and crisp.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the buttery flavor with warm, aromatic notes that make these cookies extra inviting.
- All-purpose flour (2¼ cups): Provides the body and shape, creating cookies that hold together without being dense.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Gives balance and depth, lifting the flavors so each bite truly shines.
How to Make Butter Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pans
Preheat your oven to 350°F. While it comes up to temperature, line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This step ensures that your Butter Cookies bake evenly and slip right off the tray once done, with those neat, golden bottoms everyone loves.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture looks light and fluffy. This creaming process traps air in the butter, setting the stage for those tender, delicate cookies you’re craving.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Crack in your egg and splash in the vanilla extract. Beat again until everything’s smoothly incorporated. You’ll notice the dough become creamy and aromatic, almost like cake batter—which is exactly the texture you want.
Step 4: Mix in Flour and Salt
Gradually blend in the flour and salt. Go slowly and mix just until the dough starts to come together; over-mixing can make your cookies less tender. If the dough feels too soft or sticky, pop it in the fridge for 15–20 minutes—this bit of chill time makes shaping the cookies much easier.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Now comes the fun part! Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, or pipe it into shapes using a cookie press or star-tipped piping bag. Arrange each cookie about 2 inches apart on your prepared sheets, giving them plenty of room to bake up picture-perfect.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Bake the Butter Cookies for 10–12 minutes, keeping an eye out for lightly golden edges. That’s your cue they’re done! Allow them to rest on the pan for five minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This ensures they finish setting up without the risk of breaking.
How to Serve Butter Cookies
Garnishes
Dress up your Butter Cookies by dipping half in melted chocolate or giving them a shower of colorful sanding sugar before baking. Even a light dusting of powdered sugar after cooling can add bakery-style flair!
Side Dishes
Butter Cookies are wonderful alongside a cup of strong tea, creamy coffee, or even a small dish of fresh fruit. Their subtle flavor allows them to pair beautifully with rich or tart drinks, making snack time feel utterly special.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange Butter Cookies in decorative tins for holiday gifting, or stack them in cellophane bags tied with a ribbon for party favors. For a show-stopping dessert platter, alternate them with chocolate-dipped or jam-filled varieties—your guests will be over the moon!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your Butter Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to one week—if you can resist finishing them before then!
Freezing
Butter Cookies freeze beautifully. Layer cooled cookies between sheets of wax paper in an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to three months, making them perfect for advance holiday baking.
Reheating
Want that just-baked warmth? Pop Butter Cookies in a 300°F oven for a few minutes straight from the freezer or fridge. They’ll emerge crisp, fragrant, and ready to impress once again.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can substitute salted butter if that’s what you have on hand. Just be sure to reduce the added salt by half to avoid overdoing the savory notes.
Why did my Butter Cookies spread too much in the oven?
If your cookies spread more than expected, your butter may have been too soft or the dough wasn’t chilled. Try refrigerating the dough for 20 minutes before baking for sharp, classic shapes.
How do I get the perfect crisp edges?
The key is to watch for those lightly golden edges in the oven and avoid overbaking. Using parchment paper and making uniform shapes will also help ensure every Butter Cookie bakes up beautifully.
Can I decorate these cookies before baking?
Absolutely! Sanding sugar, sprinkles, or pressing a fork or stamp for a pattern all work well before baking. If you’d like to dip or drizzle with chocolate, wait until they’re cool.
Are Butter Cookies suitable for gifting?
Definitely! Butter Cookies hold their shape and flavor for days, making them an ideal choice for edible gifts. Layer them in a tin with parchment between each layer for a gorgeous, homemade present.
Final Thoughts
Butter Cookies truly are the ultimate treat for any occasion, and I can almost guarantee they’ll become a favorite in your kitchen too. Whether you’re baking for a celebration, sharing with friends, or simply treating yourself, I hope you’ll give this nostalgic classic a try and discover just how delicious homemade Butter Cookies can be!
Print
Butter Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These classic Butter Cookies are the perfect combination of simplicity and deliciousness. With a rich buttery flavor and delicate texture, these cookies are sure to become a family favorite for any occasion.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until the dough forms.
- Chill and Shape: If the dough is too soft, refrigerate for 15–20 minutes. Shape the dough into balls or use a cookie press to create shapes.
- Bake: Place on baking sheets and bake for 10–12 minutes until lightly golden.
- Cool and Enjoy: Cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For extra flair, dip cooled cookies in melted chocolate or sprinkle with sanding sugar before baking.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to one week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
