Butter Cookies Recipe

Introduction

These classic butter cookies are buttery, tender, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Perfect for holiday gatherings or any time you crave a simple, sweet treat.

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 the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat the softened butter and sugar on medium-low speed until light and fluffy.
3. Step 3: Add the egg and vanilla extract, continuing to beat on medium-low speed until the mixture is smooth.
4. Step 4: Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing just until fully incorporated. Avoid overmixing the dough.
5. Step 5: Add milk one tablespoon at a time, using the minimum amount needed to achieve a piping consistency.
6. Step 6: Transfer the dough into a piping bag and pipe small circles onto the prepared baking sheet. Add sprinkles if desired. Chill the baking sheet in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes.
7. Step 7: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden brown.
8. Step 8: Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool completely before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Using high-quality butter greatly improves the flavor and texture of the cookies.
• For a different flavor, substitute vanilla with almond or lemon extract.
• Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice twist.
• If you don’t have a piping bag, shape dough with a spoon or roll into small balls and flatten slightly.

Storage

Store cooled butter cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They can also be frozen for up to three months; thaw at room temperature before serving. Reheat gently in a warm oven if you prefer them slightly warm.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

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

How do I make the cookies crispier?

Bake a couple of minutes longer until the edges are more golden, and let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack to maintain crispness.

Butter Cookies Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 116 reviews

Classic butter cookies that are soft, buttery, and perfect for any occasion. These easy-to-make cookies use simple ingredients and a piping technique to achieve a beautiful shape and tender texture. They are lightly sweetened with vanilla and have a subtle salt balance to enhance the buttery flavor.

• Author: Ruby
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 40-45 minutes (including chilling time)
• Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cookie Dough

• 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 (or more if needed; any kind)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Set aside while you prepare the dough.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl or using a stand mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together on medium-low speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
3. Add Egg and Vanilla: Add the large egg and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar. Continue beating on medium-low speed until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined.
4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the wet mixture, mixing just until fully combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
5. Add Milk for Consistency: Add milk one tablespoon at a time, just enough to reach a piping consistency that holds shape but is soft enough to pipe. You may need between 1 and 2 tablespoons depending on your flour.
6. Pipe the Cookies: Transfer the cookie dough to a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe small circles of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart. If desired, decorate with sprinkles. Chill the baking sheets in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes so the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
7. Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies begin to turn a light golden brown.
8. Cool Before Serving: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet before serving to ensure they set properly and are easy to handle.

Notes

• Use high-quality, name brand unsalted butter for the best flavor and texture.
• Do not overmix the dough after adding flour to avoid tough cookies.
• Adjust the milk amount carefully to reach piping consistency; too much milk will make the dough too soft.
• Chilling the cookie dough after piping is crucial to help the cookies hold their shape during baking.
• Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Keywords: butter cookies, classic cookies, homemade cookies, easy cookie recipe, vanilla butter cookies