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Butter Cookies 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.

Ingredients

Scale

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
  • 12 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