Butter Cookies Recipe

Introduction

Butter cookies are a classic treat, loved for their rich, buttery flavor and delicate crumb. This simple recipe yields perfectly tender cookies that melt in your mouth, making them ideal for any occasion or just a sweet everyday indulgence.

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, use as needed)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat the softened butter and sugar on medium-low speed until light and fluffy.
3. Step 3: Add the egg and vanilla extract, continuing to beat on medium-low until the mixture is smooth.
4. Step 4: Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing just until fully incorporated. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
5. Step 5: Add milk 1 tablespoon at a time, using only enough to achieve a smooth, pipeable consistency.
6. Step 6: Transfer the dough to a piping bag and pipe small circles onto the prepared baking sheet. If you like, add sprinkles on top.
7. Step 7: Chill the baking sheet in the refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes to help the cookies hold their shape.
8. Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn a light golden brown. Remove and allow to cool completely on a wire rack.

Tips & Variations

• Use high-quality butter for the best flavor and texture.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or lemon zest for a subtle twist.
• Substitute half the granulated sugar with powdered sugar for a finer crumb.
• Try dipping the cooled cookies in melted chocolate for extra indulgence.
• To make gluten-free cookies, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend in equal amounts.

Storage

Store butter cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them fresh longer, you can freeze the baked cookies in a sealed container for up to three months. Reheat gently in a low oven or enjoy them at room temperature.

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 prevent the cookies from becoming too salty.

Why do I need to chill the cookie dough before baking?

Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape while baking and improves the texture by allowing the butter to firm up, yielding a tender, crisp cookie.

Butter Cookies Recipe

Print Recipe

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4.9 from 111 reviews

Classic butter cookies with a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. These buttery treats are piped into delicate shapes, chilled for firmness, and baked until the edges turn a perfect golden brown. Ideal for holiday baking or anytime you crave a simple, satisfying cookie.

• Author: Marco
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Butter Cookie Dough 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 for consistency)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven and prepare the baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Set aside this prepared sheet for later use.
2. Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl or using a stand mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium-low speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes.
3. Add egg and vanilla: Add the large egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Continue beating on medium-low speed until the batter is smooth and well combined.
4. Incorporate dry ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the wet mixture. Mix only until the flour is fully incorporated to avoid overworking the dough, which can make cookies tough.
5. Adjust consistency with milk: Add milk one tablespoon at a time, just enough to achieve a piping consistency that holds shape but flows smoothly. You may need either 1 or 2 tablespoons depending on your flour and butter.
6. Pipe the cookies: Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe small circles onto the prepared baking sheet. For a festive touch, add sprinkles on top if desired.
7. Chill the cookies: Place the baking sheets with piped dough into the refrigerator and chill for at least 20 to 30 minutes. This step helps cookies retain their shape during baking.
8. Bake the cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn a light golden brown.
9. Cool completely: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet or a wire rack before serving or storing.

Notes

• Using high-quality, unsalted butter greatly enhances the flavor of these cookies.
• Do not overmix the dough after adding flour to keep the cookies tender.
• Chilling the cookie shapes before baking is crucial to prevent spreading and maintain defined shapes.
• You can add sprinkles or other edible decorations before chilling for a festive look.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

Keywords: butter cookies, classic cookies, piped cookies, easy cookie recipe, vanilla cookies, holiday baking