Crispy on the edges, soft in the center, and perfectly buttery throughout, these butter cookies are a timeless classic that everyone will love. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or just want a simple treat, these cookies are easy to make and absolutely delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples, you won’t need to shop for anything fancy.
- Versatile: Great as-is or as a base for adding flavors like vanilla, almond, or chocolate.
- Perfect for Gifting: Their texture and taste make them a delightful homemade gift.
- Beginner-Friendly: Even novice bakers will have success with this straightforward recipe.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Unsalted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Egg yolks
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Salt
Directions
- Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg yolks and vanilla extract, mixing well to combine.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually sift in the flour and salt, blending until the dough comes together.
- Chill: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
- Shape the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the dough into small balls or use a cookie cutter for desired shapes. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Approximately 24 cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Variations
- Add a Glaze: Drizzle a simple sugar glaze or melted chocolate on top for extra sweetness.
- Flavor Enhancements: Mix in almond extract or citrus zest to give these cookies a unique twist.
- Decorations: Add sprinkles, powdered sugar, or colored sugar for a festive look.
- Chocolate-Dipped: Dip one half of the cookie in melted chocolate and sprinkle with crushed nuts.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store butter cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Freezing: Place cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: While not necessary, you can warm cookies in a 300°F (150°C) oven for a few minutes to refresh their texture.
FAQs
How do I ensure my butter cookies stay soft?
Ensure you don’t overbake them. Removing the cookies when the edges are just golden helps maintain a soft center.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to balance the flavors.
Why is it important to chill the dough?
Chilling prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking and enhances their flavor.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 48 hours before baking.
What’s the best way to roll out the dough?
Roll the dough between two sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure an even thickness.
Can I use a cookie press for this recipe?
Yes, this dough works wonderfully with a cookie press to create intricate designs.
Can I substitute gluten-free flour?
Yes, a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend can be used, but the texture might differ slightly.
Why do my cookies crumble?
This could be due to too much flour. Always measure flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off.
How can I make these cookies richer?
Add an extra egg yolk or a small amount of heavy cream to the dough for extra richness.
Can I freeze the dough instead of the baked cookies?
Yes, freeze the dough in portioned balls or discs for up to three months and bake as needed.
Conclusion
Butter cookies are a classic treat that never goes out of style. Their rich, buttery flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture make them a go-to recipe for any occasion. With endless possibilities for customization, these cookies are perfect for sharing or enjoying with a cup of tea. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll see why it’s a favorite for so many!
Print
Best Butter Cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These butter cookies are rich, buttery, and perfectly crisp. They melt in your mouth with a delicate sweetness and are ideal for any occasion. Perfect with a cup of tea or coffee, they’re easy to make and loved by all ages
Ingredients
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy using a hand mixer or stand mixer.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually mix in the flour and salt until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.
- Scoop or pipe the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving 1-2 inches between each cookie. For traditional butter cookies, use a piping bag fitted with a star tip.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For added flavor, you can drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies or dip them halfway in chocolate.
- Dough can be refrigerated for up to 2 days if you want to bake them later.
- These cookies store well in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *