The Drop Butter Cookie is the kind of treat that quietly steals the show! With golden edges, soft centers, and a mouthwatering buttery flavor, these cookies are irresistibly simple yet endlessly versatile. This classic recipe delivers a cookie that’s crisp outside, tender inside, and delicately sweet—perfect for pairing with coffee, sharing with loved ones, or brightening up any day with a nostalgic homemade touch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s beauty in simplicity, and these staple ingredients prove it! Each one plays an important part in creating that signature Drop Butter Cookie texture and flavor you’ll find yourself craving again and again.
- Butter: Use unsalted, softened butter for that melt-in-your-mouth richness—don’t skip the softening, as it’s crucial for creaming.
- Granulated Sugar: Brings the perfect sweetness and helps the cookies get light and just a little crisp on the edges.
- Large Egg: Adds structure and binding, making sure your cookies hold together with a lovely chew.
- Vanilla Extract: Infuses warmth and depth—use pure vanilla for the very best classic aroma.
- All-Purpose Flour: The sturdy base that creates that soft, tender crumb everyone loves.
- Baking Powder: Just enough lift for a gentle puff and delightful texture.
- Salt: Essential for balance—it pulls all the flavors together so the butter really shines.
How to Make Drop Butter Cookie
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
To kick things off, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it preheats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep the cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Getting these simple steps out of the way ensures your Drop Butter Cookie dough will have a perfect surface for baking.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, blend your softened butter with granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color—this takes about 2 to 3 minutes. Don’t rush this part! Taking the time to properly cream the butter and sugar is what gives each Drop Butter Cookie its iconic tender bite and delightful crumb.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract, then beat them into the mix until everything is fully combined. You’ll notice the dough smooths out and becomes a little glossy—a sign that your Drop Butter Cookie dough is on track for deliciousness.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This easy step disperses the rising agents and salt evenly, ensuring every cookie bakes up perfectly light with balanced flavor. Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until a soft, uniform dough forms.
Step 5: Drop and Bake
Using a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop, drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto your lined baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each. Bake for 10–12 minutes, watching for those light golden edges—a telltale sign your Drop Butter Cookie batch is ready. Let them cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then move to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Drop Butter Cookie
Garnishes
Sometimes a classic can get even better with a small flourish! Sprinkle your Drop Butter Cookie with colored sanding sugar before baking, or let them cool and then drizzle with melted chocolate for a sweet, glossy finish. Even a light dusting of powdered sugar can dress them up for holidays or special occasions.
Side Dishes
While these cookies need no accompaniment, they’re pretty magical alongside a cup of strong coffee, a cozy mug of tea, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. If you’re serving guests, a bowl of fresh berries or a platter of mixed nuts creates a simple yet charming spread around your Drop Butter Cookie centerpiece.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, turn these little cookies into festive sandwich treats with a layer of jam or sweet buttercream in the middle. Pack them into clear bags tied with ribbon for homemade gifts, or stack them in a pretty tin to bring the ultimate “thank you” or holiday cheer. No matter how you serve them, Drop Butter Cookie always wins smiles.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your cookies have cooled fully, transfer them to an airtight container. Stored at room temperature, they’ll keep their fresh-from-the-oven flavor and texture for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them extra soft, tuck a slice of bread into the container—it works wonders to maintain moisture!
Freezing
Drop Butter Cookie dough freezes beautifully. Simply scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time. Finished cookies can also be frozen for up to three months, ensuring you always have a little sweetness on hand.
Reheating
If you like your Drop Butter Cookie a touch warm, just pop a couple into a 300°F (150°C) oven for 2–3 minutes, or give them a brief zap in the microwave. They’ll regain that irresistible softness and taste just-baked all over again.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, you can use salted butter if that’s what you have handy—just reduce the added salt in the recipe by half to keep the flavors balanced. The cookies will still turn out deliciously buttery with that familiar Drop Butter Cookie charm.
Why do my cookies spread too much?
If your Drop Butter Cookie dough is extra soft or your butter was overly melted, the cookies might spread more than you’d like. For thicker cookies, make sure your butter is just softened, not melted, and chill the dough for 10–15 minutes before baking on warm days.
What mix-ins work well with this recipe?
These cookies are super versatile! Try folding in mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or even lemon zest for a burst of flavor. Just keep add-ins to about 1 cup total so your Drop Butter Cookie dough stays perfectly balanced.
Can I make the dough ahead and bake later?
Absolutely! Prepare the dough and keep it refrigerated (well covered) for up to 48 hours. This not only makes timing easy but often deepens the flavor. Just scoop and bake your Drop Butter Cookie straight from the fridge.
How do I keep my cookies soft and chewy?
Storing them in an airtight container with a slice of bread is the key trick. The bread’s moisture helps maintain the perfect Drop Butter Cookie texture, keeping each bite satisfyingly soft.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something special about sharing a homemade Drop Butter Cookie—it’s simple, nostalgic, and guaranteed to bring joy. If you’re after a failsafe treat that everyone will request again and again, give this recipe a try and share the love, one buttery, golden cookie at a time!
Print
Drop Butter Cookie Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight your taste buds with these soft and buttery drop butter cookies. Easy to make and perfect for any occasion, these classic sugar cookies are sure to be a hit with everyone!
Ingredients
Butter Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Form Cookie Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Bake Cookies: Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10–12 minutes until lightly golden.
- Cool and Serve: Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For a fun twist, roll the tops in colored sugar before baking or drizzle cooled cookies with melted chocolate.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
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