If you love classic, melt-in-your-mouth butter cookies, this recipe is for you! These cookies are crisp on the edges, soft in the center, and bursting with buttery goodness. Perfect for tea time, holiday treats, or everyday snacking, they are incredibly easy to make with just a few ingredients.
Ingredients Notes
To make these delicious butter cookies, you’ll need:
🛒 For the Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened) 🥜
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg 🥚
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 🌿
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
🛒 Optional Toppings:
- Sprinkles for decoration
- Melted chocolate for dipping
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Baking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 22 minutes
How to Make Butter Cookies (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2️⃣ In a mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3️⃣ Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
4️⃣ In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder.
5️⃣ Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Step 2: Shape the Cookies
1️⃣ Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a star tip for classic butter cookie shapes.
2️⃣ Pipe swirls or round shapes onto the prepared baking sheet.
3️⃣ If desired, add sprinkles on top before baking.
Step 3: Bake the Cookies
1️⃣ Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn golden.
2️⃣ Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
The Magic of Butter Cookies
What makes these cookies so irresistible? It’s all about the rich, buttery flavor and perfect texture!
✨ Crisp Edges & Soft Centers – Achieved by using the right butter-to-flour ratio.
✨ Rich Buttery Flavor – The high butter content makes them incredibly flavorful.
✨ Easy to Customize – Add sprinkles, dip in chocolate, or drizzle with caramel.
✨ Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether for holidays, tea time, or gifting, these cookies always impress.
The Science Behind Their Unique Texture
🔹 Why Butter Matters – Butter provides flavor and structure, making the cookies tender and crumbly. 🔹 Role of Sugar – Sugar helps create the crisp edges while keeping the center soft.
🔹 Using Baking Powder – This gives the cookies a slight lift without making them puffy.
🔹 Chilling the Dough – If your dough is too soft, chilling helps maintain the shape while baking.
Tips for the Best Butter Cookies
✔️ Use High-Quality Butter – The better the butter, the richer the flavor.
✔️ Don’t Overmix the Dough – Overmixing can make cookies tough.
✔️ Pipe the Dough While Soft – If too firm, let it warm slightly before piping.
✔️ Let Them Cool Completely – This enhances the texture and flavor.
Variations on the Classic Recipe
🍫 Chocolate-Dipped Butter Cookies – Dip one side in melted dark or white chocolate.
🍓 Jam-Filled Butter Cookies – Press a small dent in the center and add jam before baking.
🌰 Nutty Butter Cookies – Mix in chopped nuts for extra crunch.
🍋 Lemon Zest Butter Cookies – Add a hint of citrus for a refreshing twist.
Serving Suggestions
☕ With Tea or Coffee – The perfect pairing for a cozy treat.
🍨 With Ice Cream – Crumble over vanilla ice cream for a delicious crunch.
🌟 As a Gift – Pack in a decorative tin for a homemade present.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered!
🔹 Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes! Just reduce the added salt in the recipe.
🔹 Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw before using.
🔹 How do I store butter cookies?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
🔹 Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.
🔹 Why are my cookies too hard?
Overbaking can cause them to dry out—bake just until golden at the edges.
Conclusion
These homemade Butter Cookies are simple, buttery, and absolutely delightful! Whether you’re baking them for a holiday, a tea-time snack, or just because, they are sure to be a hit. Try this recipe today and enjoy these classic cookies with your favorite drink! 🍪🥛
