Butter Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth treat that’s both classic and irresistibly simple, this Butter Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. I’ve made these cookies countless times, and each batch feels like a warm hug from the kitchen. Stick with me, and I’ll share all my tips on how to get these cookies perfectly crisp yet tender every time.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Butter Cookies Recipe plays an important role in creating that tender crumb and buttery richness we love. Choosing the right butter and carefully balancing flour are simple but key. I’ll also give you some quick tips on how to avoid common pitfalls, like dough that spreads too much.

• Unsalted Butter: I can’t stress this enough — go for a high-quality, name-brand butter like Kerrygold or Tillamook. The flavor difference is so worth it, and unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness in the recipe.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds just the right sweetness and helps create that slight crisp on the cookie edges.
• Large Egg: Binds everything together and adds richness to the dough.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the buttery flavor with a subtle warm note. Use pure vanilla if you can.
• All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the cookie, it gives structure while keeping things tender when combined properly with the butter.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
• Milk: Added a tablespoon at a time to adjust dough consistency for piping perfectly round cookies without making the dough too runny.

Make It Your Way

I love how this Butter Cookies Recipe is a perfect blank canvas — you can keep them classic or customize with your favorite touches. I often add sprinkles for festive occasions or dip half the cookie in melted chocolate for a bit of indulgence. You might find your new go-to twist here!

• Variation: For a nutty crunch, I sometimes add finely chopped toasted almonds or pecans to the dough—it adds a lovely texture without overpowering the buttery flavor.
• Dietary Modification: If you want to try dairy-free, coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute can work, but expect minor texture differences—I prefer the original butter myself for that authentic taste.
• Seasonal Touch: A hint of lemon zest or orange zest in the dough adds a fresh brightness that’s fantastic during spring and summer.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Butter Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar Until Fluffy

Start by softening your butter to room temperature—this is crucial. I leave mine out for about an hour before baking. Then, in a large bowl or stand mixer, beat the butter and sugar together on medium-low speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, like a soft cloud. This step traps air, giving the cookies their delicate texture, so don’t rush it. Usually, 3-5 minutes works well.

Step 2: Add Egg and Vanilla, Then Mix Until Smooth

Next, crack in your egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Continue mixing on medium-low until the batter looks smooth and creamy. This helps combine the flavors evenly without overworking the dough, which can toughen your cookies.

Step 3: Gently Incorporate Flour and Salt

Slowly add the all-purpose flour and salt to your mix, folding or mixing just until everything comes together. The key here is to avoid overmixing — once the flour disappears, stop mixing. Overworking the dough can result in chewy cookies, and that’s not what we’re after.

Step 4: Adjust Dough Texture with Milk

This is one of the tricks I’ve learned over time. Add milk one tablespoon at a time just until the dough reaches a soft consistency perfect for piping—firm but pliable. If you add too much, the dough will spread too much during baking. You want it just fluid enough to pipe nice circles without losing shape.

Step 5: Pipe and Chill Before Baking

Place the dough in a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe small circles of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving enough space between each cookie. If you want to get creative, add colorful sprinkles right now for a festive touch. Now, here’s the non-negotiable: chill those piped cookies in the fridge for at least 20-30 minutes. This step stopped my cookies from spreading all over the place and gives you those beautiful, crisp edges.

Step 6: Bake and Cool Completely

Bake your butter cookies in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or until the edges just start to turn golden. Keep a close eye here—the difference between perfect and slightly overdone is just a minute or two. Once done, transfer the trays to wire racks and let the cookies cool fully before you even think about trying one. Patience pays off with better texture and flavor!

How to Serve Butter Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple—just a sprinkle of colored sugar or festive jimmies on top before baking for some extra joy, especially around the holidays. Once cooled, sometimes I lightly dust them with powdered sugar or even dip half in melted dark chocolate for a little flair. The buttery cookie tastes amazing with a hint of chocolate and a touch of sweetness from the sugar dusting.

Side Dishes

Pair these buttery delights with a comforting cup of tea—Earl Grey or chamomile work wonderfully—or a steaming mug of coffee if you prefer. I’ve also enjoyed them alongside a scoop of homemade vanilla ice cream for a special after-dinner treat.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or gift-giving, I like to stack these cookies in a pretty tin with parchment paper separating each layer. Another favorite is arranging them on a tiered dessert stand with fresh berries and edible flowers for a charming touch that always gets compliments!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover butter cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, usually on the counter, and they stay fresh and crisp for up to a week. If you live in a humid area, keeping them sealed tightly is extra important to maintain that perfect snap.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze these cookies! After they’ve cooled completely, I place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container. They keep beautifully for up to 6-8 months and taste just as fresh when thawed.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy them warm, pop a few cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. This refreshes their crispness without drying them out like a microwave can. Just be careful not to overbake or they might become too hard.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Butter Cookies Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s so comforting, straightforward, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a gift, or just because, these cookies deliver buttery, tender bites that feel like home with every nibble. Give them a try—you won’t regret it, and I’d bet they’ll become your new favorite go-to cookie too!

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