Butter Cookies Recipe

Introduction

Butter cookies are a timeless treat known for their delicate crumb and rich, buttery flavor. These classic cookies are easy to make and perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to everyday snacking.

Ingredients

• 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
• 1-2 tablespoons milk (any kind, add as needed)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat the softened butter and sugar on medium-low speed until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3. Step 3: Add the egg and vanilla extract, continuing to beat on medium-low speed until smooth and well combined.
4. Step 4: Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing just until fully incorporated. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
5. Step 5: Add milk one tablespoon at a time, using only as much as needed to achieve a consistency suitable for piping.
6. Step 6: Transfer the dough to a piping bag and pipe small circles onto the prepared baking sheet. Optionally, sprinkle with decorative sprinkles. Chill the baking sheets in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes to firm up the dough.
7. Step 7: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn golden brown.
8. Step 8: Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, try adding finely chopped nuts or a pinch of cinnamon to the dough.
• If you don’t have a piping bag, you can shape the dough into small balls and gently flatten them before baking.
• Use high-quality butter for the best flavor and texture in your cookies.

Storage

Store butter cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them crisp longer, place a slice of bread in the container to absorb moisture. Reheat briefly in a warm oven to restore crispness if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

While you can use salted butter, it’s best to reduce or omit adding extra salt in the recipe to avoid an overly salty flavor.

How do I make the dough easier to pipe?

Add milk gradually until the dough reaches a smooth, pipeable consistency. Chilling the dough before piping also helps maintain shape during baking.

Butter Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 55 reviews

These classic Butter Cookies are a simple, buttery treat perfect for any occasion. With a tender texture and subtle vanilla flavor, they are easy to make and ideal for piping into elegant shapes. Crispy on the edges and soft inside, these cookies pair wonderfully with tea or coffee.

• Author: Natalie
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 35-40 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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
• 1–2 tablespoons Milk (any kind, as needed for consistency)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside for later use.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl or using a stand mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium-low speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which usually takes a few minutes.
3. Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract on medium-low speed until the batter is smooth and well combined.
4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the mixture, blending just until fully incorporated. Be careful not to overmix to maintain a tender texture.
5. Adjust Consistency with Milk: Add milk one tablespoon at a time to achieve a piping consistency. Use the minimum amount needed to ensure the dough holds shape when piped.
6. Pipe the Cookies: Transfer the dough into a piping bag and pipe small circles onto the prepared baking sheet. If desired, sprinkle with colorful sprinkles for decoration. Once piped, chill the baking sheets in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes to firm up the dough.
7. Bake Cookies: Place the chilled baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies begin to turn golden brown.
8. Cool Before Serving: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before serving to ensure they set properly.

Notes

• Use high-quality unsalted butter for the best flavor and texture.
• Do not overmix the dough once the flour is added to keep cookies tender.
• If the dough is too stiff to pipe, add a little more milk gradually.
• Chilling the piped cookies before baking helps them hold their shape.
• Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Keywords: Butter Cookies, Classic Cookies, Vanilla Cookies, Easy Cookies, Cookie Recipe, Homemade Cookies