Butter Cookies Recipe
If you’re craving a simple yet utterly delightful treat to brighten your day, this Butter Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. These cookies boast a tender, buttery crumb with just the right hint of vanilla, making them perfect for everything from afternoon tea to holiday cookie swaps. There’s something incredibly comforting about biting into a cookie that melts gently on your tongue, while the subtle golden edges offer a perfect contrast of texture. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, these classic butter cookies promise to become a beloved staple in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Butter Cookies Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to create a rich, tender cookie that’s buttery and lightly crisp. From creamy butter to fragrant vanilla, these essentials come together to deliver a balanced flavor and delightful texture.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): The star of the recipe, providing rich flavor and a tender texture.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough perfectly, helping with lightness when creamed with butter.
- 1 large egg: Binds ingredients together and adds moisture for the perfect chew.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings a warm, fragrant note that complements the butter wonderfully.
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: Gives structure to the cookies, holding everything in place while keeping them tender.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
How to Make Butter Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, line two baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy—this step is crucial for that tender crumb and slight airiness in your cookies.
Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla
Mix in the large egg and vanilla extract until they are fully incorporated. This will bring moisture and that familiar sweet aroma we all love in butter cookies.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
Gradually add in the flour and salt, mixing just until the dough starts to come together. Be careful not to overmix; otherwise, your cookies might turn out tough instead of tender.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and space them 2 inches apart on your prepared sheets. Gently flatten each ball using the bottom of a glass or get creative with a cookie press for festive shapes.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. This sweet spot ensures a crispy edge with a soft center. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up before moving to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Butter Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For a festive twist, dip half of each cooled cookie in melted chocolate and sprinkle with chopped nuts or colorful sprinkles. This adds visual appeal and an extra layer of texture and flavor that friends and family will adore.
Side Dishes
Butter cookies pair beautifully with a hot cup of tea or coffee. They also complement a glass of cold milk for a nostalgic, comforting snack reminiscent of childhood holidays.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your butter cookies in a decorative tin or tie them up in a cellophane bag with a pretty ribbon to make a delightful homemade gift. You can also stack them with parchment paper in between for a charming cookie tower at parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover butter cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to a week, maintaining their buttery softness and crisp edges.
Freezing
If you want to prepare your cookies ahead of time, the dough freezes beautifully. Shape the dough into a log, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, slice and bake straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
Reheating
To refresh cookies that have lost a bit of their day-one crispness, warm them in a preheated 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. This brings back a fresh-baked aroma, making them taste just as amazing as when freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid your cookies becoming too salty. Unsalted butter gives you better control over seasoning.
How do I get perfectly shaped cookies every time?
Using a cookie press or chilling the dough before shaping helps maintain clean edges and prevents spreading, resulting in consistent cookies.
Can I substitute any ingredients to make these cookies gluten-free?
You can experiment with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, though the texture may vary slightly. Be sure to check the blend’s instructions for best results.
Why do my butter cookies sometimes come out too hard?
This usually happens if the dough is overmixed or the cookies are baked too long. Stick to mixing until just combined and watch closely during baking for that light golden edge.
Is this Butter Cookies Recipe suitable for kids to help with?
Absolutely! The steps are simple and fun, especially rolling the dough and pressing it into shapes. It’s a wonderful activity to share and teach baking basics to little helpers.
Final Thoughts
This Butter Cookies Recipe is truly a delightful classic that brings warmth and sweetness any time you bake it. With just a handful of ingredients and a simple technique, you’re on your way to creating beautiful, homemade cookies that taste like a hug in every bite. I can’t wait for you to try it out and watch these buttery treats become a favorite in your kitchen just like they are in mine.
Print
Butter Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Classic buttery cookies with a tender crumb and a rich vanilla flavor, perfect for anytime snacking or festive occasions. These cookies are easy to prepare and bake to golden perfection, making them a delightful treat for cookie lovers of all ages.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes a few minutes. This step is essential for a tender cookie texture.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract into the creamed butter mixture, mixing until everything is fully combined and smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the wet ingredients. Mix just until the dough comes together, making sure not to overmix to keep the cookies tender.
- Shape Cookies: For classic round cookies, roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Slightly flatten each with the bottom of a glass or alternatively, use a cookie press to create shaped cookies.
- Bake: Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are just lightly golden, indicating they are cooked through but still soft in the center.
- Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes to set. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or decorating.
Notes
- For a festive touch, dip half of each cooled cookie in melted chocolate and sprinkle with chopped nuts or colorful sprinkles.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for easier handling, especially in warmer environments.
- You can shape the dough into a log, chill it, and slice into uniform cookie rounds for quick preparation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
