If you’ve ever dreamed of baking the perfect simple cookie—golden brown outside, delicately crisp at the edges, and meltingly tender within—then you’re in for a treat. These Best Butter Cookies are an absolute classic, beloved by kids and grownups alike for their melt-in-your-mouth texture and pure, buttery flavor. With just a few pantry staples, you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can whip up a batch of home-baked joy that fills your kitchen with that irresistible, comforting aroma every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s the magic: the loveliest cookies come from the humblest ingredients. Each part of this Best Butter Cookies recipe works together to create those buttery notes, that just-right chew, and the gorgeous golden color that beckons from the cookie jar.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup/2 sticks, softened): Butter is the star here, giving richness and a tender crumb—make sure it’s fully softened for the best texture.
- Granulated sugar (¾ cup): This adds sweetness while ensuring the cookies have crisp edges and a soft center.
- Large egg (1): Adds moisture, helps bind the dough, and lends a little lift for that perfectly light cookie bite.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): A dash of pure vanilla pulls the flavors together and adds warmth to every bite.
- All-purpose flour (2 ¼ cups): This gives the cookies their structure, keeping them delicate without falling apart.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and accentuates all that wonderful buttery goodness.
How to Make Best Butter Cookies
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple trick keeps the Best Butter Cookies from sticking, guarantees even browning, and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Creaming the softened butter with the sugar is where the magic begins. Use a hand mixer or sturdy spoon to beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy; this takes about 2 to 3 minutes and creates air pockets for a delicate crumb. Don’t rush—this step is essential for those dreamy, melt-in-your-mouth cookies.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract, then mix until fully incorporated. This luscious blend gives the dough its lovely aroma and the richness that makes Best Butter Cookies so iconic.
Step 4: Mix in Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing gently after each addition. Go slow here so you don’t overwork the dough—stop mixing as soon as it all comes together into a soft, cohesive ball.
Step 5: Shape and Flatten the Cookies
Scoop the dough by generous tablespoonfuls and roll into balls with your hands. Space them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet—these cookies need room to spread. Gently flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass or use a fork for a classic crisscross pattern.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake for 10–12 minutes, keeping a close eye during the last couple of minutes. Look for just golden edges; the centers will seem soft but firm up as they cool. Let them cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before devouring.
How to Serve Best Butter Cookies
Garnishes
Sprinkle warm cookies with a pinch of coarse sugar or dip the cooled cookies halfway in melted chocolate for a touch of luxury. You can even drizzle with a simple vanilla glaze or dust with powdered sugar for a bake shop finish.
Side Dishes
A cold glass of milk is a timeless companion, but these Best Butter Cookies also pair beautifully with a mug of tea or coffee. Try serving them with fruit, like fresh raspberries or slices of orange, to lighten things up.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack them high on a pretty cake stand for an old-fashioned cookie swap, or tie stacks with ribbon for edible gifts. At the holidays, arrange them in festive tins or go extra-special by sandwiching a layer of jam or chocolate between two cookies for a delicious twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Best Butter Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh, buttery, and irresistible for up to a week—if they last that long!
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully. After cooling, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container with parchment between layers to prevent sticking. They keep wonderfully for up to three months—just thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
If you like your Best Butter Cookies slightly warm (who doesn’t?), pop them in a 300°F oven for 2–3 minutes, or give them a very quick zap in the microwave. Just enough to revive that just-baked feel!
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted for Best Butter Cookies?
You can, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to a pinch so your cookies don’t end up too salty. Unsalted butter gives you perfect control over the balance of flavors.
Why is it important to soften the butter before creaming?
Softened butter whips up smoothly with sugar, creating those tiny air pockets that yield light, tender cookies. Cold butter won’t mix properly, and melted butter will lead to heavy, greasy cookies.
Can I make the dough ahead for Best Butter Cookies?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and store it tightly covered in the fridge. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before shaping for easier scooping.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
Watch for the edges to turn the lightest golden color while the centers are set but not browned. Overbaking will make them crisp rather than tender, so trust your eyes and nose.
Are Best Butter Cookies good for decorating?
Yes! Their flat surface is perfect for icing or sprinkles. Just be sure to let the cookies cool completely before adding any decorations so nothing slides off.
Final Thoughts
There’s really nothing quite like a batch of freshly baked Best Butter Cookies—they’re pure, buttery happiness! I hope you give this recipe a try, share it with your loved ones, and make it a sweet new tradition in your kitchen. Warm wishes and happy baking!
Print
Best Butter Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Best Butter Cookies are a classic treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With a rich buttery flavor and a hint of vanilla, these cookies are sure to be a hit with your friends and family. Easy to make and delicious to eat, they’ll quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.
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: Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Mix in flour: Gradually mix in the flour and salt until a soft dough forms.
- Shape and bake: Scoop the dough by the tablespoon, roll into balls, place on the prepared baking sheet, flatten slightly, and bake for 10–12 minutes until lightly golden.
- Cool and enjoy: Allow to cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring 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
