There’s something utterly comforting about a timeless buttery treat, and this Best Butter Cookies Recipe truly captures that warm, nostalgic feeling with every single bite. These cookies are crisp on the edges, tender in the middle, and melt in your mouth with a wonderfully rich buttery flavor that’s simply irresistible. Perfect for sharing with friends, gifting during the holidays, or enjoying alongside your afternoon tea, this recipe is a charming blend of simplicity and deliciousness that will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
To craft the Best Butter Cookies Recipe, you only need a handful of classic ingredients that bring out the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Each component is simple yet essential, playing a unique role in making these cookies delightfully golden and tender.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): The star ingredient that adds richness and gives these cookies their melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Provides sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
- Large egg (1): Binds the dough together and adds moisture for the perfect consistency.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances the buttery flavor with a warm, fragrant note.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups): Builds the structure of the cookie, ensuring they hold their shape beautifully.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and amplifies the butter’s natural flavor.
How to Make Best Butter Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures even baking and prevents the cookies from sticking, setting you up for success right away.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale—this usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes. This step is key because it incorporates air for a tender cookie with just the right amount of lift.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. The egg enriches the dough and helps bind everything, while the vanilla infuses that unmistakable warm flavor that butter cookies are loved for.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Sift the all-purpose flour and salt gradually into your wet mixture. Blend just until the dough comes together—be careful not to overmix as this can make the cookies tough instead of tender.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Transfer the dough into a piping bag fitted with a star tip or use a cookie press to create your favorite shapes directly onto the prepared baking sheets. Piping or pressing the dough allows for those classic, pretty swirls and patterns that butter cookies are known for.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, watching closely. You want the edges to be just lightly golden while the centers remain soft. This balance gives the best texture and bite.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for 5 minutes after removing from the oven, then gently transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling phase lets them set properly without losing their delicate crumb.
How to Serve Best Butter Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are fantastic plain, you can dress them up with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a gentle drizzle of melted chocolate for a touch of elegance. Adding sprinkles or edible glitter before baking also brings fun and color, perfect for celebrations.
Side Dishes
Butter cookies pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, black tea, or a creamy latte. For a more indulgent pairing, serve alongside vanilla ice cream or a fresh fruit compote to add an extra burst of flavor contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For gifting or serving at parties, arrange these cookies in decorative tins layered with parchment paper or tie bundles with festive ribbons. You can also sandwich them with jam or chocolate ganache to turn them into delightful cookie sandwiches that wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover butter cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay crisp and delicious for up to a week, making it easy to enjoy your baking over several days.
Freezing
If you want to prepare these cookies in advance, freeze the dough in portions or freeze fully baked cookies. For dough, shape and freeze on a tray before transferring to a bag, so you can bake fresh batches later. Baked cookies freeze well for up to 3 months.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly baked warmth, pop cookies in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make them chewy instead of crisp.
FAQs
Can I substitute salted butter for unsalted butter?
While you can, it’s best to use unsalted butter so you can control the salt content yourself. If using salted butter, consider reducing or omitting the added salt in the recipe.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup to make these cookies gluten-free without sacrificing texture.
What type of piping tip is best for shaping these cookies?
A star-shaped piping tip works beautifully because it creates charming ridges that enhance the cookie’s crispness and visual appeal.
Can I add flavors or mix-ins to the dough?
Absolutely. Try adding finely chopped nuts, citrus zest, or a teaspoon of almond extract for a flavorful twist. Just be careful not to overload the dough to maintain the classic texture.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, butter cookies stay fresh for up to a week, retaining their tender crispness.
Final Thoughts
Making the Best Butter Cookies Recipe is like inviting a little joy into your kitchen with every batch. With such simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these cookies bring maximum comfort and warmth to your table. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and experience the buttery love that these cookies bring. Happy baking!
Print
Best Butter Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Best Butter Cookies are classic, buttery treats with a delicate crumb and a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Perfectly sweetened and flavored with vanilla, they are easy to make and ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Butter Cookie Dough
- 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Beat Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together for 2-3 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which helps create a tender and airy cookie texture.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Incorporate the large egg and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture. Mix well until all ingredients are fully combined and the batter is smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually sift in the all-purpose flour and salt, and blend gently until the dough starts to come together. Be cautious not to overmix, which can make the cookies tough.
- Shape Cookies: Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a star tip or use a cookie press to form your desired cookie shapes directly onto the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden color, indicating they are perfectly baked.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened but not melted to achieve the best texture.
- Do not overmix the dough once the flour is added to keep cookies tender.
- You can use different piping tips or cookie presses to create various shapes.
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Optionally, add a sprinkle of coarse sugar on top before baking for extra crunch and sparkle.
