If you are searching for a timeless, melt-in-your-mouth treat, this Butter Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. These delicate cookies have a perfect balance of rich, buttery flavor and a tender crumb that practically dissolves on your tongue. They are simple to make yet impressive enough to share at any gathering or enjoy as a cozy afternoon snack. Whether you’re a cookie novice or a seasoned baker, this Butter Cookies Recipe will quickly become a beloved classic in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this Butter Cookies Recipe, you will need just a handful of simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in creating the cookie’s smooth texture, rich flavor, and beautiful golden color, proving that sometimes less truly is more.
- 8 oz unsalted butter: Softened butter is key to that luxurious, creamy texture.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with golden edges.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness perfectly.
- 1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract: Adds a warm and inviting aroma that fills the kitchen.
- 1 large egg yolk: Gives richness and helps bind the dough.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives structure and tenderness to the cookies.
How to Make Butter Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by beating the softened butter, granulated sugar, salt, and vanilla extract together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This step is where the magic begins—getting everything silky ensures your cookies bake up tender and flavorful. Once combined, add the egg yolk and mix until fully incorporated, scraping down the bowl as needed to make sure every bit folds in.
Step 2: Add Flour
Next, gradually mix in the all-purpose flour until it’s just incorporated. Be gentle here; over-mixing can develop gluten, which will make your butter cookies less tender. The dough will come together nicely and feel soft yet manageable.
Step 3: Shape and Chill
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it a few times until smooth. Shape it into a log, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for several hours. Chilling the dough is crucial for firm, cleanly sliced cookies that maintain their shape in the oven. If you want to save time later, freezing the dough is also an excellent option.
Step 4: Preheat Oven
When you’re ready to bake, preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure your cookies don’t stick and bake evenly.
Step 5: Slice and Bake
Remove the chilled dough from the fridge and slice it into thin rounds about 1/8-inch thick. Place each slice about an inch apart on the prepared baking sheets. This spacing gives them room to bake without merging together.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Bake the cookies for 16-18 minutes or until the edges just begin to turn golden brown. This subtle hint of color is your indicator for that perfect buttery crunch. After baking, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely—cooling helps them set up properly so you get that signature snap when you bite in.
How to Serve Butter Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Butter cookies are lovely on their own, but if you want to dress them up, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate takes them to another level. Adding a sprinkle of finely chopped nuts or a dash of cinnamon before baking also adds a charming touch and a subtle flavor boost.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair perfectly with a hot cup of tea, coffee, or even a glass of cold milk. Their delicate sweetness balances beautifully with the bitterness of black coffee or a robust chai. They also make an excellent accompaniment to fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a simple, elegant dessert plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive look, stack the cookies in a neat pile tied with a colorful ribbon, making a lovely gift or party favor. You can also sandwich two cookies with a layer of jam or chocolate spread for extra indulgence. If you’re feeling adventurous, dip half in melted chocolate and sprinkle with sea salt for a salty-sweet twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover butter cookies stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Keeping them sealed prevents them from drying out and maintains that tender texture you love.
Freezing
This Butter Cookies Recipe is freezer-friendly! Wrapped tightly, the dough can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. You can also freeze baked cookies in an airtight container for about 3 weeks—just thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy your cookies warm, gently reheat them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This restores their just-baked freshness and crispness without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter in this recipe?
Yes, you can, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid making the cookies too salty. Unsalted butter gives you better control over the final flavor.
How thick should I slice the cookie dough?
For the best texture and even baking, slice the dough into rounds about 1/8-inch thick. Thicker slices will be softer and might need longer baking times.
Why do I need to chill the dough before baking?
Chilling firms up the butter, helping the cookies keep their shape and develop a tender, crumbly texture instead of spreading too much.
Can I add flavor variations to this Butter Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! Small changes like adding lemon zest, finely chopped nuts, almond extract, or cocoa powder are great ways to customize the flavor while keeping that buttery base.
What’s the best way to make these cookies crispier?
Baking them slightly longer until the edges deepen a golden brown will add crispness. Just watch them carefully to avoid burning.
Final Thoughts
This Butter Cookies Recipe is one of those beautiful, simple pleasures that never fails to bring smiles. With its easy-to-follow steps and breathtaking buttery flavor, it’s perfect for baking any time you crave a classic cookie. I encourage you to try making these cookies—you’ll love how this humble recipe becomes a cherished favorite in your home just like it has in mine.
Print
Butter Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 33 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Classic buttery cookies with a delicate crisp texture and rich vanilla flavor, perfect for any occasion or tea time.
Ingredients
Butter Cookies Ingredients
- 8 oz unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Beat butter, sugar, salt, and vanilla together until smooth and creamy. Add the egg yolk, mixing until fully incorporated, scraping down the bowl as needed.
- Add Flour: Gradually mix in the flour until just incorporated to form the cookie dough.
- Shape and Chill: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface, knead a few times until smooth, shape into a log, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for several hours or freeze for later.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Slice and Bake: Slice the chilled dough into 1/8-inch thick rounds. Arrange them 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake and Cool: Bake the cookies for 16-18 minutes, or until the edges just begin to turn golden. Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack before serving.
Notes
- You can freeze the dough log for up to 1 month; slice and bake directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to baking time.
- Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for smoother mixing.
- For even baking, slice cookies uniformly to about 1/8-inch thickness.
- Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
