Butter Cookies Recipe

Introduction

Butter cookies are a timeless treat known for their delicate texture and rich, buttery flavor. Perfectly crisp on the edges and tender inside, these cookies make a wonderful snack or a beautiful addition to any dessert platter.

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

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set it aside.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat the softened butter and sugar together on medium-low speed until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3. Step 3: Add the egg and vanilla extract, continuing to beat on medium-low speed until smooth and well combined.
4. Step 4: Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing just until fully incorporated. Be careful not to overmix the dough.
5. Step 5: Add milk one tablespoon at a time, using only enough to achieve a consistency suitable for piping.
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 for decoration.
7. Step 7: Chill the baking sheet in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes before baking to help the cookies hold their shape.
8. Step 8: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden brown.
9. Step 9: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use high-quality butter for the best flavor and texture.
• Chilling the dough before baking helps prevent spreading and keeps the cookie shapes crisp.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or lemon zest to the dough for a subtle flavor twist.
• Try dipping cooled cookies in melted chocolate for an extra indulgent treat.

Storage

Store butter cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them fresh longer, refrigerate for up to two weeks or freeze for up to three months. Reheat chilled or frozen cookies briefly in a warm oven to regain their crisp texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to prevent the cookies from becoming too salty.

What if I don’t have a piping bag?

You can shape the dough into small balls and flatten them gently with your hand or the back of a spoon before baking.

Butter Cookies Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 134 reviews

These classic Butter Cookies are rich, tender, and perfectly buttery with a delicate vanilla flavor. Made with simple ingredients and piped into elegant shapes, they are ideal for teatime or festive celebrations. The dough is easy to prepare and bake, resulting in crisp edges and a soft center that melts in your mouth.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups All purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon Salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup Unsalted butter, softened (use high-quality, name brand butter)
• 1 cup Granulated sugar
• 1 Large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1–2 tablespoons Milk (any kind), or more if needed

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside to keep the cookies from sticking.
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, usually about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add Egg and Vanilla: Add the large egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture, continuing to beat on medium-low speed until fully incorporated and smooth.
4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the wet mixture, mixing just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep cookies tender.
5. Adjust Consistency with Milk: Add milk one tablespoon at a time to reach a piping consistency that allows the dough to flow smoothly from a piping bag but remain firm enough to hold shape.
6. Pipe the Cookies: Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe small circles or desired shapes onto the prepared baking sheet. Optionally, add sprinkles on top for decoration.
7. Chill the Dough: Place the baking sheets with piped dough into the refrigerator and chill for at least 20-30 minutes. This helps maintain the shape during baking.
8. Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for approximately 10 minutes or until the edges start turning a light golden brown.
9. Cool and Serve: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before serving to ensure they set properly.

Notes

• Use high-quality unsalted butter for the best flavor and texture.
• Chilling the piped dough is essential to maintain the cookie shapes while baking.
• If the dough is too stiff to pipe, add more milk one teaspoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
• Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
• For a festive touch, decorate with colored sugar or sprinkles before baking.

Keywords: butter cookies, classic cookies, vanilla cookies, easy dessert, piped cookies