Butter Cookies Recipe
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
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)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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