If you’re searching for the ultimate treat that melts in your mouth and fills the kitchen with irresistible aromas, look no further than Butter Cookies. These classic delights strike that perfect balance between crisp edges and tender centers, making them a staple for holidays, casual get-togethers, and cozy afternoons alike. With just a handful of pantry staples and a few simple steps, you’ll be rewarded with cookies that are as elegant as they are comforting. Whether you enjoy them plain, dressed up with sprinkles, or dipped in silky chocolate, Butter Cookies always feel both nostalgic and special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Butter Cookies come together with only a handful of ingredients, and each plays a crucial role in delivering that signature buttery flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Don’t underestimate the power of simplicity here—quality ingredients truly shine through in every bite.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): The star of the show! Softened butter creates a perfectly tender, rich cookie with unbeatable flavor.
- Granulated sugar (¾ cup): Provides sweetness and gives the cookies their lovely, delicate crunch.
- Large egg (1): Helps bind everything together and adds a touch of chewiness to the finished cookies.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses the dough with warm, inviting aroma and rounds out the sweetness.
- All-purpose flour (2¼ cups): Forms the structure for the cookies while keeping them beautifully soft inside.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Just enough to balance the sweetness and make those rich flavors pop.
How to Make Butter Cookies
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheets
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F, ensuring it’s fully up to temperature by the time your dough is ready. Line a couple of baking sheets with parchment paper—this prevents sticking and guarantees effortless cookie removal later on.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key to creating that perfect, airy texture in your Butter Cookies, so take your time and let the mixer work its magic.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Beat them in until the dough looks creamy and everything is well incorporated—this lays the foundation for smooth, even cookies with each bite bursting with vanilla flavor.
Step 4: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing gently after each addition. Stop once the dough is smooth and just comes together, so the cookies stay tender—not tough.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Scoop the dough by tablespoonfuls, rolling each into a ball. For that signature Butter Cookie look, gently flatten each ball or use a cookie press for fancier shapes. Nestle them about two inches apart on the prepared sheets, giving them ample space to spread while baking.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide those baking sheets into the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes. Watch for the edges to turn a light golden color—this means they’re ready! Allow the cookies to cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely for the perfect tender bite.
How to Serve Butter Cookies
Garnishes
Let your creativity shine when garnishing Butter Cookies! Sprinkle colorful nonpareils or sparkling sanding sugar over the unbaked dough for a festive touch. For an extra layer of decadence, dip cooled cookies in melted chocolate and let them set for an elegant finish.
Side Dishes
Butter Cookies pair wonderfully with so many beverages, from a steaming mug of tea to a cold glass of milk or rich hot cocoa. They’re also beautiful alongside a dish of fresh seasonal fruit or as a sweet component in a cookie platter for afternoon gatherings.
Creative Ways to Present
These cookies are a gift-giver’s dream. Arrange them in decorative tins, tuck them in cellophane bags tied with ribbons, or stack them in a pretty jar for a homemade treat that doubles as a thoughtful present. For parties, try arranging by shape or color for a little extra flair!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Butter Cookies stay fresh and delicious for days when stored properly. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature, separated with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They’ll retain their tender texture and flavor for up to one week—if they last that long!
Freezing
To stock up for surprise guests or late-night cravings, freeze Butter Cookies after baking. Wait until they’re completely cool, then layer them in a freezer-safe container with parchment between the layers. Alternatively, you can freeze unbaked dough portions for easy, fresh baking later on.
Reheating
If you want that just-baked warmth, pop Butter Cookies in a 300°F oven for 3–4 minutes straight from the freezer. Let them cool slightly before serving for the ultimate melt-in-the-mouth experience. No need to thaw in advance!
FAQs
Why do I need to cream the butter and sugar so thoroughly?
Creaming incorporates air into the butter, giving the cookies a lighter texture and helping them spread just the right amount as they bake. Don’t skimp on this step—it’s the secret behind their delicate crumb!
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
You can substitute salted butter if that’s what you have, but reduce the added salt by half or omit it entirely. This keeps the balance of flavors perfect and prevents overly salty Butter Cookies.
Is it possible to flavor these cookies beyond vanilla?
Absolutely! Try swapping out a portion of the vanilla extract with almond extract or add a bit of grated lemon zest for a refreshing, citrusy twist. Customizing the flavor profile is one of the joys of baking Butter Cookies at home!
How do I achieve perfectly even shapes?
For classic round cookies, use a cookie scoop to portion out the dough. For decorative, bakery-style Butter Cookies, press the dough through a cookie press with your favorite shapes, or gently flatten with the bottom of a glass.
Do these cookies travel well for gifting?
Yes, Butter Cookies are sturdy enough to pack up and ship! Choose sturdy boxes or tins, layer cookies with parchment, and avoid stacking heavily to prevent breakage during transit. They make a delightful homemade present for friends and family alike.
Final Thoughts
Every batch of Butter Cookies brings a sense of joy and comfort, whether you’re making them as a rainy day project or to share at a festive gathering. I genuinely hope you’ll give this recipe a try—even first-time bakers are sure to end up with a batch of cookies that vanishes in no time. Happy baking!
Print
Butter Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These classic Butter Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. With a rich buttery flavor and a hint of vanilla, these cookies are sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Incorporate flour and salt: Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing just until a smooth dough forms.
- Shape and bake: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls, and flatten slightly. Place on baking sheets and bake for 10–12 minutes until lightly golden.
- Cool and enjoy: Allow cookies to cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- These cookies can be decorated with sprinkles before baking or dipped in chocolate after cooling.
- For extra flavor, try adding a touch of almond extract or lemon zest.
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