Butter Cookies are the ultimate treat for anyone who adores classic, melt-in-your-mouth sweets with a rich, buttery flavor. Made with just a handful of simple pantry staples, these cookies offer the perfect balance of crisp edges and tender centers. Whether you’re looking to add some sweetness to your afternoon tea or prepare an impressive homemade gift, Butter Cookies never fail to deliver on both flavor and elegance.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Butter Cookies so magical is the simplicity of the ingredients! Every item on this list plays an essential part in creating the cookie’s signature taste and velvety texture, so don’t be tempted to skip or substitute: the magic is in the classics.
- Unsalted butter, softened: The star of the show! Use high-quality butter for that irresistibly rich flavor and delicate crumb.
- Granulated sugar: This adds sweetness and helps the cookies spread out just enough to achieve their characteristic lightness.
- Large egg: Helps bind the dough while contributing to the cookies’ soft, tender structure.
- Vanilla extract: Just a splash brings warmth and deepens the flavor of these Butter Cookies.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the cookies with stability and structure, ensuring they hold their beautiful shape.
- Salt: Just a pinch brightens all the flavors, making the buttery richness stand out.
How to Make Butter Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures your Butter Cookies bake evenly and won’t stick. Giving the oven time to get to the perfect temperature means you won’t lose precious rise or browning once your cookie dough hits the heat.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture turns pale and fluffy. This step is key: it pumps little air pockets into the dough, which helps create that signature light but melt-away bite we all crave in Butter Cookies.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is luxuriously smooth and combined. The egg binds the dough, while the vanilla gives a beautiful aroma and depth to the Butter Cookies you’ll soon enjoy.
Step 4: Mix in Flour and Salt
Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing on low speed (or by hand if you prefer) until a smooth dough forms. The goal is a soft, cohesive dough that holds together but isn’t sticky. If the dough feels a little too soft and sticky to shape, pop it into the fridge for about 20 minutes to firm up—it’ll pipe or press like a dream after that chill.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Spoon the dough into a piping bag fitted with a star tip or load it into your cookie press. Pipe or press the dough onto your prepared baking sheets in your favorite shapes. This is where the classic look of Butter Cookies really shines, whether you go for rosettes, S-shapes, or simple rounds.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake your shaped cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, keeping a close eye: you want the edges just lightly golden, not dark brown. The aroma will tell you they’re close! Once baked, let the cookies cool on the pan for a couple of minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to finish cooling completely. Resist the urge to munch immediately (but only if you can!)—they firm up beautifully as they cool.
How to Serve Butter Cookies
Garnishes
For a festive touch, sprinkle the unbaked cookies with colored sanding sugar or nonpareils before they go in the oven for a lovely sparkle. You can also dip cooled Butter Cookies in melted chocolate, then add a little crushed pistachio, sea salt, or even a drizzle of white chocolate for an extra-special finish.
Side Dishes
Butter Cookies are wonderful alongside coffee, hot cocoa, or a pot of loose-leaf tea. They pair beautifully with a fruit compote or a bowl of fresh berries for a simple, refreshing dessert platter. For holiday gatherings, mix them with other favorites like jam thumbprints or almond crescents for a showstopping cookie tray.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to make your Butter Cookies gift-worthy, stack them and tie with a ribbon, layer them in a clear jar, or arrange in a pretty tin. You can also make sandwich cookies by spreading a little fruit jam or chocolate ganache between two cookies, creating an extra-indulgent treat. Butter Cookies hold their shape so well, they even make lovely edible ornaments—just poke a hole before baking and thread with festive ribbon once cooled!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Butter Cookies fresh and melt-in-your-mouth perfect, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for up to a week—if you can make them last that long! Keep the container out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources for best results.
Freezing
If you want to bake in advance, Butter Cookies freeze beautifully. Cool them completely, then stack gently in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. When properly frozen, they’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to 2 months. Simply thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
While Butter Cookies don’t require reheating, if you’d like to revive that just-baked feel, pop a few on a baking sheet in a 300°F oven for 2–3 minutes. They’ll come out lightly crisped and aromatic, as if fresh from the oven—perfect for impressing any last-minute guests!
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
You can substitute salted butter if that’s what you have on hand; simply omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid over-seasoning. Just keep in mind that the precise flavor balance of classic Butter Cookies shines best with unsalted butter, which lets you control the saltiness perfectly.
My dough is too soft to pipe. What should I do?
If your dough is too soft, chilling it in the fridge for about 20 minutes can make a world of difference. Firming the butter slightly will help the dough hold its piped shape during baking, giving you those gorgeous, defined Butter Cookies.
Can I add other flavors to this recipe?
Absolutely! While vanilla is traditional, you can experiment by swapping some of the vanilla extract for almond extract, a little citrus zest, or even a splash of liqueur. Just keep in mind not to overpower the delicate buttery taste that’s the hallmark of Butter Cookies.
How do I keep Butter Cookies crisp?
The key to crisp Butter Cookies is not to underbake; look for those subtle golden edges. Always allow them to cool completely before storing, and use an airtight container. If they do soften a bit, a quick trip to the oven can restore their perfect crispness!
Can these Butter Cookies be made gluten-free?
You can experiment with a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend to create a gluten-free version of this recipe. The texture may vary slightly, but you’ll still get a delicious, buttery bite that everyone can enjoy!
Final Thoughts
Nothing beats the satisfaction of baking a batch of Butter Cookies from scratch. Their timeless flavor and charming shapes make them a true joy to share, whether you’re gifting, celebrating, or simply treating yourself. Give this recipe a try—you’ll fall in love with how easy and rewarding it is to make these irresistible classics at home!
Print
Butter Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicate and buttery, these classic Butter Cookies are a delightful treat for any occasion. With a light, melt-in-your-mouth texture and a hint of vanilla flavor, these cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings or everyday indulgence.
Ingredients
Butter Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Mix Flour and Salt: Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
- Chill Dough (If Needed): If the dough is too soft, chill it for 20 minutes.
- Pipe Dough: Using a piping bag with a star tip or a cookie press, pipe the dough into desired shapes onto the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For a festive touch, sprinkle with sanding sugar before baking or dip cooled cookies in melted chocolate.
- Store 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: 90
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
