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
3/4 cup white granulated sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 1/2 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 1/2-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.
