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Butter Cookies Recipe

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.

Ingredients

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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
  • 12 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