There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked Butter Cookies wafting through the kitchen, transporting you instantly to a place of comfort and nostalgia. These classic cookies are everything you want in a treat: crisp at the edges, meltingly tender in the middle, and irresistibly buttery with just the right touch of sweetness. Whether you’re whipping up a festive batch for a special occasion or just treating yourself after a long day, these Butter Cookies deserve a spot in every baker’s repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for Butter Cookies is refreshingly simple, and each one plays a vital role in creating that classic flavor and perfect texture. These everyday staples work their magic with just a little care and attention, resulting in cookies you’ll crave over and over again.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): The star of the show, delivering that signature richness and tender crumb.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Adds sweetness and helps create a delicately crisp edge.
- Large egg (1): Binds the dough and adds a hint of chewiness.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Rounds out the flavors with a warm, inviting aroma—don’t skip it!
- All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups): Gives the cookies their structure and that classic snap.
- Salt (1/4 tsp): Just enough to balance the sweetness and punch up the rich, buttery notes.
How to Make Butter Cookies
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this not only guarantees easy cleanup but also ensures your Butter Cookies bake evenly and don’t stick. As your oven comes to temperature, your baking adventure begins!
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar. Beat them together with an electric mixer (or some old-fashioned elbow grease) until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale. Creming is key for that delicate texture, so don’t rush this step—it’s all about introducing air for cookie perfection.
Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla
Now, beat in the large egg and vanilla extract. Blend until everything is smooth and well combined, so your Butter Cookie dough is infused with flavor and ready to embrace the dry ingredients.
Step 4: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to your wet mixture. Mix gently just until a smooth, cohesive dough forms; avoid overmixing, which can toughen your cookies. At this point, your dough should be soft but not sticky and easily scoopable.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls between your hands. For a more festive look, feel free to use a cookie press for beautiful, classic designs. Set each dough ball or shaped cookie about two inches apart on your lined baking sheet. If you haven’t used a press, gently flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass or a fork, giving them a traditional touch.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Slide your tray into the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes. Keep a close eye: you want the edges just turning golden while the centers remain pale and soft. Once finished, let the Butter Cookies cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This step ensures they set perfectly and don’t fall apart.
How to Serve Butter Cookies
Garnishes
Butter Cookies are delicious on their own, but they also make a beautiful canvas for creative garnishes. Try dipping half of each cooled cookie in melted chocolate or sprinkling with festive colored sugar before baking. A little lemon zest or a dusting of powdered sugar can add an extra special finish, making these cookies stand out on any dessert table.
Side Dishes
Pair your Butter Cookies with an afternoon cup of tea, a frothy cappuccino, or a tall glass of cold milk for a heavenly snack. They’re also right at home alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or served as part of a holiday cookie platter with shortbread, biscotti, and jam thumbprints.
Creative Ways to Present
Butter Cookies are a thoughtful homemade gift when neatly stacked in a decorative tin, nestled in parchment, or arranged in a clear cellophane bag tied with ribbon. For gatherings, try displaying them on a tiered cake stand with edible flowers or arrange them in a wreath shape on a platter for eye-catching edible décor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Butter Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week, holding onto their delightful texture and flavor. If the weather’s especially humid, add a slice of bread to the container to absorb moisture and keep your cookies irresistibly crisp.
Freezing
You can freeze Butter Cookies in two ways: either as baked cookies or as unbaked dough. To freeze baked cookies, let them cool completely and layer them with parchment in a freezer-safe container. For dough, roll it into a log, wrap tightly and freeze. Thaw before baking or bake directly from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.
Reheating
If you prefer your cookies warm, place them on a baking sheet and heat in a 300°F oven for 2–3 minutes. This revives their fresh-from-the-oven taste without making them dry. Skip the microwave, which can leave the Butter Cookies rubbery or too soft.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can use salted butter in a pinch, but be sure to reduce or skip the added salt in the recipe. This lets you enjoy that classic Butter Cookie taste without things getting too salty.
How do I get even, uniform cookies?
Use a small cookie scoop for consistent portions, or invest in a cookie press for picture-perfect shapes. Flattening each cookie gently also helps ensure they bake up evenly.
What can I add for flavor variations?
Add a teaspoon of finely grated lemon or orange zest for a refreshing twist, or swap in almond extract for a subtle nutty flavor. Mini chocolate chips or a sprinkle of cinnamon can also give your Butter Cookies a new dimension.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Definitely! Prepare your dough, wrap it well, and store in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready, shape and bake as directed, and you’ll have fresh, warm cookies in no time.
Why are my cookies spreading too much?
If your Butter Cookies are spreading, it might be due to overly soft or melted butter. Try chilling the dough for twenty minutes before baking to help them hold their shape better.
Final Thoughts
I hope this Butter Cookies recipe brings as much joy to your kitchen as it has to mine! There’s nothing like sharing a classic treat, and something about these cookies brings people together. Bake a batch soon—you might just find them disappearing faster than you expect!
Print
Butter Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in the simplicity and richness of these classic butter cookies. With a perfect balance of buttery sweetness, they are sure to become a favorite for any occasion.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Incorporate Flour and Salt: Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
- Shape and Bake: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, shape, and bake for 10–12 minutes until lightly golden.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For a festive touch, dip half in melted chocolate or sprinkle with colored sugar before baking.
- Experiment with flavors by adding lemon zest or almond extract to the dough.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 25mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
