Butter Cookies Recipe

Introduction

Butter cookies are classic, buttery treats that are simple to make and perfect for any occasion. Their tender texture and delicate vanilla flavor make them a favorite for both beginners and experienced bakers. Let’s walk through an easy recipe that yields perfectly crisp and melt-in-your-mouth cookies every time.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened, use high-quality, name brand butter)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1-2 tablespoons milk (any kind, as needed)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set it aside while you prepare the dough.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat the softened butter and sugar together on medium-low speed until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3. Step 3: Add the egg and vanilla extract, then continue beating on medium-low speed until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
4. Step 4: Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing just until the dry ingredients are fully incorporated. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
5. Step 5: Add milk one tablespoon at a time, using just enough to achieve a piping consistency so the dough can be easily shaped.
6. Step 6: Transfer the dough to a piping bag and pipe small circles onto the prepared baking sheet. If you like, sprinkle with your favorite decorations. Chill the baking sheet in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes to firm up the dough.
7. Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies turn a light golden brown.
8. Step 8: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use high-quality butter for the best flavor and texture in your cookies.
• Chilling the dough before baking helps maintain shape and prevents spreading.
• Try adding lemon zest or almond extract for a flavor twist.
• If you don’t have a piping bag, you can shape the dough with a cookie scoop or spoon.

Storage

Store cooled butter cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a sealed container for up to three months. To reheat, let frozen cookies thaw at room temperature, or warm briefly in a low oven to regain crispness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid overly salty cookies.

How do I keep the cookies from spreading too much?

Chilling the piped dough before baking firms it up and helps the cookies hold their shape during baking.

Butter Cookies Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 84 reviews

These classic Butter Cookies are delightfully crisp on the edges and tender in the center, made with high-quality butter and just the right sweetness. Perfect for any occasion, they have a rich buttery flavor enhanced by vanilla and a soft texture achieved by chilling the dough before baking. Easy to make and customizable with sprinkles, these cookies are a timeless treat everyone will love.

• Author: Elias
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cookies

• 1 cup Unsalted butter, softened (use high-quality, name brand butter)
• 1 cup Granulated sugar
• 1 Large egg
• 2 teaspoons Vanilla extract
• 2 cups All-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon Salt
• 1–2 tablespoons Milk (any kind, as needed for piping consistency)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium-low speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. This incorporates air for a tender texture.
3. Add Egg and Vanilla: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract on medium-low speed until the mixture is smooth and well combined, ensuring good flavor distribution.
4. Incorporate Flour and Salt: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
5. Adjust Texture with Milk: Add milk one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently, just enough to achieve a piping consistency that’s firm but squeezable.
6. Pipe the Cookies: Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe small circles onto the prepared baking sheet. Optionally, sprinkle with decorative sprinkles.
7. Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the baking sheets with the piped dough for at least 20-30 minutes. Chilling helps the cookies maintain shape and improves texture.
8. Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn golden brown, indicating they are perfectly baked.
9. Cool Before Serving: Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet before serving or storing to set their texture.

Notes

• Using high-quality, name-brand unsalted butter enhances flavor and texture.
• Do not overmix the dough to keep the cookies tender and prevent toughness.
• Chilling the cookie dough before baking helps maintain shape and prevents spreading.
• You can add sprinkles before chilling for decorative cookies.
• If dough is too stiff to pipe, add a bit more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until manageable.

Keywords: butter cookies, classic cookies, homemade cookies, easy cookie recipe, buttery cookies, vanilla cookies