Button cookies are adorable, bite-sized treats that resemble tiny buttons. These cookies are not just fun to make but also perfect for special occasions, tea parties, or as a delightful snack for kids and adults alike. With a simple cookie dough base, they can be flavored and decorated in various ways to suit any preference.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fun and creative design that’s perfect for gifting
- Buttery, crisp texture with a melt-in-your-mouth experience
- Customizable with different flavors and colors
- Easy to make with basic ingredients
- Great for baking with kids
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Unsalted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Egg yolk
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Cornstarch
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Food coloring (optional)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a smooth dough forms.
- If desired, divide the dough into sections and add food coloring to create different colors.
- Roll the dough into small balls and flatten slightly into a round shape.
- Use a bottle cap or small round cutter to create an indentation in the center of each cookie.
- With a straw or toothpick, make four small holes in the center to resemble a button.
- Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Approximately 24 button cookies
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
Variations
- Chocolate Button Cookies: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the dough for a rich chocolate flavor.
- Citrus Zest: Mix in lemon or orange zest for a refreshing twist.
- Almond Flavor: Replace vanilla extract with almond extract for a nutty taste.
- Colorful Buttons: Use different food colorings to create a vibrant assortment of cookies.
- Sprinkled Buttons: Before baking, sprinkle sugar or edible glitter on top for extra decoration.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep button cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Refrigeration: Store in the fridge for up to two weeks for extended freshness.
- Freezing: Freeze the dough for up to three months; thaw before baking.
- Reheating: No need to reheat; enjoy them at room temperature for the best texture.
FAQs
How do I make my button cookies extra crisp?
Use a little more cornstarch and bake them for an extra minute for a crisper texture.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, but the texture may be denser, and you might need to add an extra tablespoon of liquid.
Can I use cookie cutters instead of rolling the dough into balls?
Absolutely! You can roll out the dough and use round cutters for uniform button shapes.
Why did my button holes disappear after baking?
The dough expands slightly in the oven, so make the holes deep enough before baking.
Can I make these cookies without eggs?
Yes, you can substitute the egg yolk with a tablespoon of milk or yogurt.
How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to keep them from spreading too much.
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?
It’s best to keep the dough smooth, but finely chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips can work.
Are button cookies suitable for special diets?
You can make them gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Can I make these cookies in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and store it in the fridge for up to 48 hours before baking.
How do I make the colors vibrant without using artificial dyes?
Try using natural food colorings like beet powder, turmeric, or matcha for a more natural option.
Conclusion
Button cookies are a charming and delicious treat that’s as fun to make as they are to eat. Whether you customize them with colors, flavors, or decorations, they’re sure to be a hit at any gathering. Try this recipe today and enjoy these delightful little bites!
Print
Button Cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 25-27 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert, Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, European
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Button Cookies are buttery, lightly sweet, and perfect for tea parties, holiday treats, or just a fun baking project. With a soft, crumbly texture and a hint of vanilla, they’re as cute as they are delicious. You can customize them with different flavors or colors to match any occasion!
Ingredients
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional: food coloring
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms. If using food coloring, knead it into the dough at this stage.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness.
- Use a round cookie cutter (about 1½ inches in diameter) to cut out circles.
- To create the “button” look, use a smaller cutter (or the back of a piping tip) to lightly indent a smaller circle inside each cookie. Use a straw or a skewer to poke two or four holes in the center.
- Place the cookies on the baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Add lemon zest, almond extract, or cocoa powder for different flavors.
- For colorful buttons, use gel food coloring to avoid changing the dough’s texture.
- These cookies store well in an airtight container for up to a week.
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