Few treats are as simple yet satisfying as Butter Cookies. With just a handful of pantry staples—flour, butter, sugar, and vanilla—you can create a cookie that is rich, crisp, and full of flavor. Known for their delicate texture and golden edges, butter cookies have been a favorite across generations, often found in decorative tins around the holidays or enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea any time of year.
Whether piped into elegant swirls, pressed into shapes, or cut out with cookie cutters, butter cookies are endlessly versatile and always delicious.
Ingredients:
Yields about 3–4 dozen cookies
1 cup (2 sticks / 226 g) unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or almond extract for a twist)
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional for decorating:
Colored sugar, sprinkles, or sanding sugar
Melted chocolate for dipping or drizzling
Instructions:
Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. This step ensures the cookies will be tender and flavorful.
Step 2: Add Egg and Vanilla
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
Avoid overmixing, as this can make the cookies tough.
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
For classic piped cookies: Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip and pipe swirls or rosettes onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
For rolled cookies: Chill the dough for 30 minutes, then roll out and cut into shapes with cookie cutters.
For slice-and-bake: Shape the dough into logs, chill until firm, then slice into rounds.
Step 5: Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake cookies for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Step 6: Decorate (Optional)
Once cooled, dip the cookies halfway into melted chocolate, drizzle with chocolate, or sprinkle with sugar for a festive touch.
Tips for Perfect Butter Cookies
Use High-Quality Butter: The butter is the star of this recipe, so a good-quality brand makes a difference.
Don’t Skip Chilling (if rolling/slicing): Chilling helps the dough hold its shape and prevents spreading.
Flavor Variations: Try almond extract, lemon zest, or even a touch of cinnamon for a twist on the classic flavor.
Storage: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.
Texture Control: For crispier cookies, bake a little longer until golden. For softer ones, reduce the baking time slightly.
Why You’ll Love These Cookies
Butter cookies are the perfect example of simple ingredients creating something extraordinary. Each bite is buttery, lightly sweet, and delicately crisp. They’re versatile enough for decorating at Christmas, packing into lunchboxes, or serving alongside tea or coffee. Their elegant appearance makes them a wonderful homemade gift, while their classic flavor guarantees they’ll disappear quickly from any cookie tray.