Butter Cookies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love these cookies for their perfect balance of crispness and tenderness. They’re easy to make with just a few pantry staples, and the dough can be shaped, piped, or cut into any design you like. Whether you prefer them plain, dipped in chocolate, or sprinkled with sugar, Butter Cookies always deliver a comforting homemade touch. They also store beautifully, making them ideal for gifting or preparing ahead of time.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Unsalted butter, softened
• Granulated sugar
• Egg yolk
• Vanilla extract (or almond extract for variation)
• All-purpose flour
• Salt

Optional: melted chocolate or sprinkles for decorating

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
4. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.
5. For piped cookies, transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe shapes onto the prepared baking sheet. For shaped cookies, roll out the dough and use cookie cutters.
6. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden.
7. Allow cookies to cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Once cooled, optionally dip in melted chocolate and decorate with sprinkles or drizzle.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 30 cookies.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Bake time: 12 minutes per batch
Cooling time: 10 minutes
Total time: approximately 40 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate-Dipped Butter Cookies: Dip one end of each cookie in melted dark or white chocolate and top with crushed nuts or sprinkles.
• Lemon Butter Cookies: Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest for a refreshing citrus flavor.
• Vanilla-Almond Mix: Use half vanilla and half almond extract for a more complex flavor.
• Sandwich Cookies: Spread jam or Nutella between two cookies for a sweet surprise.
• Festive Shapes: Cut into stars, hearts, or holiday shapes to suit the occasion.

Storage/Reheating

Store Butter Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months. To refresh them, warm a few cookies in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes. Keep them in a cool, dry place to maintain their crisp texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to balance the flavor.

2. Why did my butter cookies spread too much?

Your butter may have been too soft or the dough too warm. Chill the dough for 15–20 minutes before baking to help them hold their shape.

3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely. The dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before using.

4. Can I use this recipe for a cookie press?

Yes! This dough works beautifully in a cookie press to make perfectly shaped butter cookies.

5. What’s the difference between butter cookies and shortbread?

Butter cookies contain slightly more sugar and liquid, giving them a lighter, crisper texture compared to the dense, crumbly texture of shortbread.

6. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

You can, but the flavor won’t be as rich or authentic. Butter provides the best taste and texture.

7. Can I color the dough for holidays?

Yes, add a few drops of food coloring to portions of the dough before shaping for festive designs.

8. How do I keep my butter cookies crisp?

Store them in an airtight container with a small piece of bread or a food-safe desiccant packet to absorb moisture.

9. Can I add chocolate chips or nuts to the dough?

You can, but keep additions small to maintain the delicate texture of the cookies.

10. How do I prevent my cookies from browning too much?

Bake on light-colored baking sheets and keep an eye on them near the end of the baking time—the edges should be just lightly golden.

Conclusion

Butter Cookies are the epitome of simple elegance—golden, crisp, and irresistibly buttery. With their versatile dough and classic flavor, they’re perfect for every occasion, from holiday tins to afternoon tea. Once you master this easy recipe, you’ll always have a go-to treat that delights family and friends alike.

Butter Cookies

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Classic Butter Cookies that are crisp, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Perfect for holidays, gifting, or enjoying with tea, these cookies combine simplicity and elegance in every bite.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 30 cookies
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: European
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or almond extract for variation)
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Optional: melted chocolate or sprinkles for decorating

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in egg yolk and vanilla extract until combined.
4. Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.
5. For piped cookies, transfer dough to a piping bag fitted with a star tip and pipe shapes onto the prepared baking sheet. For shaped cookies, roll out dough and cut with cookie cutters.
6. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges begin to turn golden.
7. Cool cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Once cooled, optionally dip in melted chocolate and decorate with sprinkles or drizzle.

Notes

• Chill dough for 15–20 minutes before baking to prevent spreading.
• Use high-quality butter for the best flavor and texture.
• Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain crispness.
• Dough can be made ahead and frozen for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 55mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 13g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 25mg