The Best Butter Cookies are the classic treat that manages to be both delightfully simple and irresistibly delicious. With a melt-in-your-mouth texture and that unmistakable buttery flavor, these cookies are a joyous bite of nostalgia with every nibble. Whether you’re baking for holiday cookie trays, making an after-school snack, or just craving homemade comfort, this recipe is the one to keep close at hand.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of these Best Butter Cookies is found in their simplicity: a handful of pantry staples that come together to create cookie magic. Every ingredient has a role, from flavor to texture to that perfect golden hue that makes them so inviting.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): The true star, delivering rich flavor and that signature tender crumb.
- Granulated sugar (¾ cup): Sweetens the cookies just right and helps them bake up tender and golden.
- Large egg (1): Binds the dough and adds subtle richness for perfect structure.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Provides warmth and depth of flavor, elevating these cookies from simple to sublime.
- All-purpose flour (2 ¼ cups): Gives the cookies their shape and body, keeping them soft yet sturdy.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances the butter’s delicate flavor.
How to Make Best Butter Cookies
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so your Best Butter Cookies slide off effortlessly and bake up evenly golden on the bottom.
Step 2: Cream Together Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat your softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and almost pale in color. This step is key for a melt-in-your-mouth cookie—whipping air into the butter gives your cookies that classic tender texture.
Step 3: Mix in the Egg and Vanilla
Once your butter and sugar are dreamy and aerated, add the egg and vanilla extract. Blend until everything is perfectly smooth and the mixture smells absolutely heavenly. The egg binds everything together while the vanilla brings cozy, aromatic notes.
Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients to Form Dough
Gradually stir in the all-purpose flour and salt. Go slow and steady here to avoid over-mixing; you’ll want to stop as soon as the dough comes together. The finished dough should be soft, pliable, and irresistibly fragrant.
Step 5: Shape and Flatten the Cookies
Scoop a tablespoon of dough at a time, rolling each into a smooth ball. Place them on your prepared baking sheet, leaving space in between. Gently flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass or a fork for those charming ridges, ensuring they bake evenly.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Pop your cookies in the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes. Keep an eye out for those delicate golden edges—they’re your cue that the cookies are ready. Let them cool on the baking sheet for about five minutes to firm up before transferring to a wire rack. Patience is key, as this is when the texture transforms into perfection.
How to Serve Best Butter Cookies
Garnishes
For a special touch, try dipping cooled Best Butter Cookies in melted chocolate or drizzle with a light glaze. A scattering of coarse sugar on top before baking adds sparkle and a delightful crunch. A simple dusting of powdered sugar is always a pretty finish too!
Side Dishes
The gentle flavor of these cookies pairs beautifully with a cup of afternoon tea, a rich hot chocolate, or a cold glass of milk. They’re also excellent alongside fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’re craving something a bit more indulgent.
Creative Ways to Present
Best Butter Cookies make for thoughtful gifts—stacked in cellophane bags, tied with ribbon, or nestled in a festive tin. For parties, arrange them on a colorful platter or layer them between parchment in a glass jar for a homemade cookie tower effect.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Best Butter Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to a week—though it’s rare they last that long!
Freezing
These cookies freeze like a dream. Let them cool completely, then seal in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. They’ll keep for up to three months; just thaw at room temperature when a cookie craving strikes.
Reheating
If you love that fresh-from-the-oven warmth, pop a few cookies in a low oven (about 300°F) for 2–3 minutes. This revives their tenderness and brings out their buttery aroma, making them taste freshly baked every single time.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Absolutely! If you only have salted butter, just reduce the added salt by half to keep the flavors balanced in your Best Butter Cookies.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes—you can refrigerate the dough, covered, for up to 2 days. If it gets too firm, let it soften slightly at room temperature before shaping your cookies.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
To maintain a nice shape, make sure your butter isn’t too warm and don’t skip chilling the dough if your kitchen is very warm. Flatten gently; a heavy hand can cause excessive spreading.
Can I add mix-ins to this recipe?
Definitely! A handful of mini chocolate chips, sprinkles, chopped nuts, or citrus zest can make your Best Butter Cookies extra fun and flavorful.
Are these cookies suitable for gifting?
They’re perfect for sharing! Their sturdy texture and classic flavor make them wonderful presents for any holiday or occasion. Just be sure they’re fully cooled before packaging.
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t already preheated your oven, I hope you’re tempted now! These Best Butter Cookies have a way of turning any ordinary moment into something special. Give them a try and share them with those you love—the smiles they bring are truly the best reward.
Print
Best Butter Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Best Butter Cookies are a classic favorite, perfect for any occasion. They are easy to make and have a deliciously buttery flavor that will have everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Mix in flour and salt: Gradually mix in the flour and salt until a soft dough forms.
- Shape and bake: Scoop the dough, roll into balls, place on baking sheet, flatten, 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 flavor, dip cooled cookies in melted chocolate or add a sprinkle of coarse sugar before baking.
- These cookies freeze well and can be made in advance.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
