Butter Cookies Recipe

Introduction

Butter cookies are a classic treat loved for their rich, buttery flavor and delicate crumb. These simple cookies are perfect for any occasion and easy to make at home, requiring just a few basic ingredients. Let’s dive into a foolproof recipe that yields crisp, melt-in-your-mouth cookies every time.

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)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set it aside.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat the softened butter and sugar together on medium-low speed until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3. Step 3: Add the egg and vanilla extract, then continue mixing on medium-low speed until everything is smooth and well combined.
4. Step 4: Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing just until fully incorporated. Avoid overmixing to keep the texture tender.
5. Step 5: Add milk one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough reaches a piping consistency—use the minimum amount needed.
6. Step 6: Transfer the dough to a piping bag and pipe small circles onto the prepared baking sheet. If you like, add sprinkles on top. Chill the piped dough in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes to help maintain shape while baking.
7. Step 7: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until the edges just start to turn golden brown.
8. Step 8: Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use the best quality butter you can find for richer flavor and a tender crumb.
• For a festive touch, add finely chopped nuts or dip cooled cookies in melted chocolate.
• If you don’t have a piping bag, use a zip-top bag with a small corner snipped off to pipe the dough.
• Chilling the dough before baking is key to retaining the cookie’s shape and ensuring even baking.

Storage

Store cooled butter cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them fresh longer, you can freeze the cookies for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and, if desired, warm briefly in a low oven to refresh their crispness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid overly salty cookies.

What can I use if I don’t have a piping bag?

You can use a sturdy zip-top plastic bag, squeezing the dough into one corner and cutting a small hole to pipe the dough onto the baking sheet.

Butter Cookies Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 91 reviews

These classic butter cookies are rich, tender, and buttery with a delicate crumb. Perfectly simple yet flavorful, they are piped into elegant rounds and baked until golden at the edges. Ideal for any occasion, these cookies can be enhanced with sprinkles for added fun and texture.

• Author: Cleo
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 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 (any kind, as needed for consistency)

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set it aside for later to ensure a smooth baking process.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium-low speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This aerates the butter, giving the cookies a tender texture.
3. Add Egg and Vanilla: Add the large egg and vanilla extract to the creamed butter mixture. Continue beating on medium-low speed until the mixture is smooth and fully incorporated.
4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the wet ingredients. Mix just until fully combined, being careful not to overwork the dough which can toughen the cookies.
5. Adjust Dough Consistency: Add milk one tablespoon at a time, just enough to reach a piping consistency. The dough should be soft but hold its shape when piped.
6. Pipe the Cookies: Transfer the dough into a piping bag. Pipe small circles evenly spaced onto the prepared baking sheet. Optionally, add sprinkles on top for decoration and texture. Chill the baking sheet in the refrigerator for at least 20-30 minutes to help the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
7. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 10 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies turn golden brown. Keep a close eye to prevent overbaking.
8. Cool and Serve: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring to a cooling rack or serving platter. Cooling helps the cookies set and enhances their texture.

Notes

• Use high-quality, softened unsalted butter for best flavor and texture.
• Do not overmix the dough to keep cookies tender.
• The milk quantity is adjustable to achieve proper piping consistency.
• Chilling the cookies before baking ensures they keep their shape and bake evenly.
• You can add sprinkles or other decorations before chilling for colorful presentation.
• Store baked cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Keywords: butter cookies, classic cookies, piped cookies, easy dessert, buttery cookies