If you have a craving for something buttery, tender, and just downright irresistible, you are absolutely going to love this Best Butter Cookies Recipe. These cookies are a timeless classic—simple yet elegant, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture that feels like a warm hug in every bite. Crisp edges meet soft centers, and the rich buttery flavor shines through perfectly, making these cookies a favorite any time of year. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a cozy afternoon treat, or just because, these cookies deliver comfort and joy with every batch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for a handful of everyday ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen, but each one plays a crucial role in creating that perfect butter cookie experience. From the silky creaminess of butter to the fragrant hint of vanilla, these ingredients come together to make a cookie that’s simple in preparation but spectacular in flavor.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup/230g): Using softened butter ensures your dough blends smoothly, giving the cookies that luscious buttery base.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup/150g): Adds sweetness and helps create that delightful crisp edge on the cookies.
- Large egg (1): Acts as a binder and adds richness, helping the cookies hold their shape while staying tender.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Brings a warm, aromatic note that enhances the buttery flavor perfectly.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups/280g): The structure of your cookies comes from this, balancing tenderness with a slight bite.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): A small amount of salt highlights all the other flavors, making the sweetness pop.
How to Make Best Butter Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure your cookies bake evenly and slide off without sticking. This simple prep step sets the foundation for perfect cookies.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. This process incorporates air, which helps your cookies rise slightly and gives them a beautifully tender texture.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Add the large egg and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar, mixing until everything is fully combined. This step adds moisture and flavor, giving your cookies richness and a wonderful aroma.
Step 4: Incorporate Flour and Salt
Sift the all-purpose flour and salt gradually into your wet ingredients. Mixing gently until the dough just comes together is key here—you want to avoid overworking the dough to keep the cookies light and tender.
Step 5: Pipe or Press the Dough
Transfer your dough to a piping bag fitted with a star tip or use a cookie press. Pipe or press your dough onto the prepared baking sheets in your favorite shapes. This step lets you add a personal touch and a little flair to your cookies, making them look as delightful as they taste.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges start to turn a lovely golden color. Watching the cookies transform during baking is always a joy and signals that they’re nearly ready.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Allow your cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step is essential to let the cookies set properly, ensuring they maintain that perfect bite.
How to Serve Best Butter Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are absolutely delicious on their own, you can dress them up with a simple dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate. Sprinkling a bit of crushed nuts or colorful sprinkles before baking also adds a fun twist.
Side Dishes
Butter cookies pair beautifully with a steaming cup of tea, coffee, or hot chocolate. For a festive gathering, consider serving them alongside fruits like fresh strawberries or oranges to balance the richness with some zest and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Stacked in a decorative tin, arranged on a pretty platter, or nestled in small gift bags, these cookies make for charming gifts or party favors. You can even sandwich them with a little jam or nut butter for a delightful sandwich cookie variation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover butter cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Keeping them sealed is all it takes to maintain their crisp edges and tender centers.
Freezing
If you want to make these cookies ahead of time, you can freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to three months and thaw quickly when you’re ready to enjoy them.
Reheating
To refresh your cookies after storage, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes. This will bring back that fresh-baked crispness and warmth, making every bite taste like they just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but you might want to reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid an overly salty taste. Unsalted butter gives you better control over the seasoning.
What can I use if I don’t have a piping bag or cookie press?
No worries! You can simply shape the dough into small balls and gently flatten them with a fork or your fingers, which still yields delicious cookies with a lovely texture.
Can I add flavors or mix-ins to this recipe?
Absolutely! You can gently fold in finely chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or citrus zest to personalize the cookies. Just remember to keep additions balanced so the dough maintains the right texture.
How do I make my butter cookies crispier?
To get a crispier cookie, bake them a minute or two longer until they turn deeper golden at the edges. Just watch carefully to prevent burning, and let them cool completely to firm up.
Are these cookies suitable for freezing before baking?
Yes, the dough can be shaped and frozen on baking sheets, then transferred to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, bake from frozen with a minute or two added to the baking time for fresh cookies on demand.
Final Thoughts
This Best Butter Cookies Recipe is one of those happy finds that never disappoints. It’s straightforward, comforting, and endlessly adaptable, making it a perfect go-to when you want a sweet homemade treat that feels special. I encourage you to try it, bake a batch (or two), and share the joy of buttery, tender cookies with your loved ones. You might just find it becomes your new favorite!
Print
Best Butter Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Best Butter Cookies are a classic, buttery delight with a tender crumb and a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Perfectly sweetened and flavored with vanilla, they are easy to make and ideal for any occasion, from holidays to everyday treats.
Ingredients
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 prepare baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes. This step ensures the cookies will have a tender texture.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture, mixing well until fully combined for a smooth dough base.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually sift in the all-purpose flour and salt, blending gently until the dough forms and comes together. Be careful not to overmix to maintain a tender cookie texture.
- Shape Cookies: Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a star tip, or use a cookie press to form your desired shapes directly onto the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies turn a light golden color indicating they are perfectly baked.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- For softer cookies, do not overbake; edges should be lightly golden.
- Use parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent cookies from sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Butter should be softened but not melted to achieve the right texture.
- Use a piping bag with a star tip for classic ridged cookie shapes.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh.
