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Butter Cookies 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.

Ingredients

Scale

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
  • 12 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