Butter Cookies are a timeless classic—simple yet so satisfying, with a tender crumb and rich, buttery flavor that practically melts in your mouth. These cookies are perfect for holiday cookie trays, afternoon tea, or anytime you want a delicate, elegant treat. Made with just a few staple ingredients, they’re easy to whip up and can be piped into beautiful shapes or pressed into rounds for a more rustic charm. Whether you dip them in chocolate, dust them with powdered sugar, or leave them plain, butter cookies offer that golden, crisp edge and soft, buttery center that never goes out of style.
What Makes These Cookies Special?
The beauty of butter cookies is in their simplicity. With just butter, sugar, flour, and a touch of vanilla, these cookies deliver flavor and texture that feels luxurious. They’re easy to customize with different shapes, decorations, or even fillings, and they hold their shape beautifully while baking. Their versatility and classic taste make them a must-have recipe in every baker’s collection.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes (optional for better shape)
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
Optional for Decorating:
- Chocolate for dipping
- Sprinkles or sanding sugar
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
1. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
2. Add Egg and Vanilla
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
3. Add the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and beat until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.
4. Chill the Dough (Optional)
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes if you want sharper cookie shapes. This step is especially helpful for piped cookies.
5. Shape the Cookies
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Either roll the dough into small balls and flatten gently, or use a piping bag with a star tip to pipe rosettes or lines onto the sheet.
6. Bake
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges just start to turn golden. Do not overbake. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Decorate (Optional)
Once cooled, dip the ends in melted chocolate and add sprinkles, or dust with powdered sugar for a classic look.
Variations
- Chocolate Dipped: Dip half the cookie in melted dark, milk, or white chocolate.
- Lemon Zest: Add 1 tsp lemon zest for a citrusy kick.
- Almond Flavor: Swap vanilla for almond extract for a nutty twist.
- Filled Butter Cookies: Sandwich two cookies with jam or chocolate ganache.
- Holiday Edition: Add food coloring and pipe into festive shapes.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or hand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Piping bag with star tip (optional)
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie, Approx.)
- Calories: ~110
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fat: 7g
- Protein: 1g
- Sugar: 5g
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Freezer (Baked): Freeze cooled cookies in a sealed bag for up to 2 months.
- Freezer (Unbaked Dough): Roll into a log, wrap tightly, and freeze for slice-and-bake cookies later.
My Cooking Experience
I’ve made these butter cookies countless times, especially around the holidays when I want something simple, elegant, and crowd-pleasing. They’re always a hit, and the dough is easy to work with—perfect for kids to help shape or decorate. Sometimes I flavor half the batch with almond extract and dip them in chocolate for variety. No matter how you serve them, they always vanish fast.
Conclusion
Butter Cookies are a true baking essential—easy to make, endlessly customizable, and irresistibly buttery. Whether you prefer them plain or dressed up, these cookies are the perfect treat to have on hand for any occasion. Once you try this recipe, it’ll become one of your go-to favorites.
Butter Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
- Mix in the egg and vanilla extract, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and beat until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes if you want sharper cookie shapes. This step is especially helpful for piped cookies.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Either roll the dough into small balls and flatten gently, or use a piping bag with a star tip to pipe rosettes or lines onto the sheet.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges just start to turn golden. Do not overbake. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, dip the ends in melted chocolate and add sprinkles, or dust with powdered sugar for a classic look.
Notes
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Freezer (Baked): Freeze cooled cookies in a sealed bag for up to 2 months.
- Freezer (Unbaked Dough): Roll into a log, wrap tightly, and freeze for slice-and-bake cookies later.
