When you’re craving a classic, buttery treat that melts in your mouth, this Butter Cookies Recipe is exactly what you want. Perfect for cozy afternoons or special celebrations, these cookies bring a toasty, buttery warmth that’s hard to resist. I love making them when I want something simple yet indulgent—plus, the aroma that fills your kitchen? Pure comfort.
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In the Kitchen
Why does this Butter Cookies Recipe stand out? It’s all about that rich, buttery base blended with just the right sweetness and a touch of vanilla, giving you cookies that are crisp on the edges yet tender inside. I've made these dozens of times, and they never fail to impress friends and family.
- Juicy and Tender Every Time: Using room temperature butter and eggs ensures your dough blends smoothly and bakes to a perfect soft crunch.
- Golden, Satisfying Finish: Watch closely as the cookie edges turn that signature light golden hue, signaling ideal doneness.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Impact: No fancy add-ins needed—quality butter and vanilla elevate these cookies beautifully.
- Weeknight to Weekend Ready: A quick prep and short bake mean these delights come together fast, any day you want.
Ingredients at a Glance
The best Butter Cookies always start with quality ingredients that complement each other. I recommend using fresh, high-quality butter and pure vanilla extract for that deep, unmistakable flavor you’ll enjoy in every bite.
- Unsalted Butter: Choose a premium brand like Challenge butter for smooth creaminess and perfect control over salt.
- White Granulated Sugar: Essential for that classic crunch; powdered sugar just won’t give the right texture.
- Egg: Bring it to room temperature to help the dough emulsify evenly.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: Its rich, fragrant notes make all the difference in flavor depth.
- All-Purpose Flour: Stick with this for consistent results; gluten-free flours can be hit or miss here.
- Salt: Just a pinch balances sweetness wonderfully.
- Milk: Used carefully to adjust dough consistency, ensuring those perfect shapes when piping.
- Sprinkles (optional): Perfect for adding a festive touch without overpowering the buttery flavor.
Heads-Up: Exact measurements and detailed instructions are at the bottom in the printable recipe card, so you don’t miss a thing.
How to Make Butter Cookies Recipe
Step 1 — Cream Butter and Sugar to a Fluffy Base
Start by softening your unsalted butter—room temperature is key here. Use a stand mixer or hand-held electric mixer to beat the butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. You’ll notice the sugar dissolving into the butter, creating a silky base that will help your cookies rise just right.
Step 2 — Add Egg, Vanilla, and Dry Ingredients Gently
Next, crack in your room temperature egg and pour in pure vanilla extract. Mix just until combined. Overmixing can make your cookies tough, so go slow. Then, add the sifted all-purpose flour and salt in batches, folding them into the wet mixture carefully. The dough should start to thicken but remain soft enough to pipe, which is where the milk comes in.
Step 3 — Achieve Perfect Dough Consistency with Milk
Slowly add milk, one tablespoon at a time, to your dough until it holds a piping consistency—soft enough to pipe but firm enough to keep its shape on the baking sheet. This step is crucial for piping precise, stunning cookies. I always recommend testing the dough by piping a small amount; if it spreads too much, add a little more flour, and if it’s too stiff, add a touch more milk.
Step 4 — Pipe and Chill Before Baking
Fill a piping bag fitted with a ½-inch star tip with your dough, and pipe small circles onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. I like to keep these relatively close together since they don’t spread much during baking. For best results, pop the tray in the fridge for 10 to 20 minutes—this step helps the cookies keep their shape and develop that lovely texture.
Step 5 — Bake Until Golden and Let Cool
Bake your butter cookies at the recommended temperature for about 10 minutes or until the edges have the slightest golden glow. That toasty, golden-brown edge is your signal to take them out before they dry out. Once out of the oven, let them cool completely on the baking sheet to firm up. This rest helps the cookies hold their delicate shape and prevents breakage.
Things to Remember
From my experience, a few simple pointers can make all the difference with this Butter Cookies Recipe. Keeping your ingredients at the right temperature and carefully watching the bake time will reward you with those iconic buttery-bite cookies every time.
- Doneness Cue: Look for lightly golden edges, never a deep brown; timing is your friend here.
- Temperature Trick: Using room temperature butter and egg lets the dough blend flawlessly and bake evenly.
- Make-Ahead Move: Piping and chilling the cookies before baking helps maintain lovely shapes and textures.
- Common Pitfall: Avoid overmixing after adding flour to keep the cookies tender and prevent toughness.
Ways to Serve It
Finishing Touches
I love adding a sprinkle of colored sugar or tiny sprinkles before baking—they melt just slightly and add a playful gloss and crunch. A light dusting of powdered sugar after baking can also add a gentle sweetness and pretty finish. These subtle touches bring your butter cookies from lovely to unforgettable.
Plays Well With
Butter cookies strike a beautiful balance with a cup of rich coffee or a tall glass of cold milk. For holiday gatherings, pair them with a warm mug of spiced tea or even a decadent hot chocolate. If you want a twist, spread a thin layer of homemade jam or chocolate ganache between two cookies for a delightful sandwich treat.
Simple Plating Upgrades
Try arranging the cookies in a circle around a small bowl of whipped cream or fruit compote for an inviting dessert platter. For festive occasions, place them on a decorative tray with fresh berries and mint leaves to add color and freshness. These small upgrades make a big impression without any extra baking.
Make-Ahead & Keeping Fresh
Storing Leftovers
Store your butter cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and crisp for up to a week. To keep them from softening, place a piece of parchment paper between layers in the container—this prevents them from sticking while preserving their delicate texture.
Freezing Tips
You can absolutely freeze butter cookie dough or baked cookies. For the dough, pipe directly onto parchment-lined trays, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to the bake time. Baked cookies freeze well in sealed containers; just thaw at room temperature to enjoy their fresh-baked taste all over again.
Reheating Butter Cookies Recipe Without Drying Out
To warm your butter cookies without drying them out, pop them in a 300°F oven for 3–5 minutes or use an air fryer at a low temperature for 2–3 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, microwave them briefly with a small cup of water nearby—the steam helps keep them moist. Just be careful not to overheat, so they stay tender, not brittle.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can, but I recommend unsalted butter to better control the salt balance in the dough. Salted butter can alter the final flavor, sometimes making the cookies slightly salty.
Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape when baked and improves texture. It prevents spreading, so you get those crisp, well-defined edges and delicate centers.
I haven't tested this recipe with gluten-free or alternative flours, so results may vary. All-purpose flour provides the ideal structure and texture for these cookies.
Stored airtight at room temperature, they stay fresh for up to a week. For longer storage, freezing baked cookies is a great option.
Final Thoughts
This Butter Cookies Recipe is a keeper in my kitchen because it’s the perfect blend of buttery richness and delicate sweetness that feels both nostalgic and special. Whether you’re baking for your family, a party, or just because you deserve a treat, these cookies rise to the occasion every time. I hope you enjoy the process—and the delicious results—as much as I do!
PrintFull Printable Recipe
Butter Cookies Recipe
These classic butter cookies are soft, buttery, and perfectly sweetened. Made with simple ingredients and a quick mixing process, they bake in just 10 minutes, making them an easy and delightful treat. Optional sprinkles add a festive touch, perfect for any occasion.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup white granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons milk
Optional Topping
- Sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cookie removal and clean-up.
- Mix Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl or using a stand mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring a creamy texture.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Incorporate the room temperature egg and pure vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture, mixing just until combined without overmixing to keep the dough tender.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just incorporated to prevent tough cookies.
- Add Milk for Consistency: Pour the milk in slowly, about a tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough reaches a consistency suitable for piping.
- Pipe the Cookies: Fill piping bags fitted with a ½-inch star tip with the dough. Pipe small circles onto the prepared baking sheet. For best results, chill the piped dough in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to help cookies hold their shape.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 10 minutes, or until the edges are just turning a golden brown color.
- Cool and Decorate: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack. Decorate with sprinkles if desired while cookies are still slightly warm.
Notes
- Use high-quality unsalted butter for the best flavor and texture, as noted in the recipe.
- Ensure the egg is at room temperature to help the dough mix evenly and become light.
- Do not overmix the dough when adding the flour to maintain a tender bite.
- Chilling the dough after piping helps cookies keep their shape and improves texture.
- Sprinkles are optional but add a festive and colorful touch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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