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Butter Cookies 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.

Ingredients

Scale

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
  • 12 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