Best Butter Cookies Recipe
If there’s ever been a cookie that captures the timeless magic of home baking, it’s the Best Butter Cookies. These are delicate, tender, and perfectly sweet, with a flavor that comes straight from pantry staples you probably already have on hand. Whether you bake them for the holidays, gift boxes, or a last-minute treat with afternoon tea, these cookies never fail to impress—and frankly, disappear before you know it! Each bite is golden, melt-in-your-mouth happiness, and if you love sharing homemade goodness with friends and family, this is the recipe to bookmark and make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Best Butter Cookies comes from the beautifully simple lineup of ingredients. Each one works behind the scenes to create that rich, buttery flavor and soft, crumbly texture we all crave. Here’s why every single component matters:
- Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened): The foundation and star ingredient. Using unsalted butter gives you full control over the cookie’s flavor and helps them turn out super tender.
- Granulated Sugar (3/4 cup): Essential for sweetness, but also adds to the cookie’s delightful crisp edges and golden color.
- Large Egg (1): Binds everything together and lends a bit of richness and moisture to keep the cookies from being too dry.
- Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons): Brings warmth and complexity, turning simple cookies into something memorable.
- All-Purpose Flour (2 1/4 cups): The backbone of your dough. Make sure to measure carefully for cookies that hold their shape but stay melt-in-your-mouth soft.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just a touch balances all the sweetness and makes the buttery notes pop.
How to Make Best Butter Cookies
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start out by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), giving it plenty of time to reach the right temperature. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so your cookies release like a dream and bake evenly without sticking. Having everything set up ahead of time makes the cookie process quick and fuss-free!
Step 2: Cream Together Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Beat on medium speed until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and almost cloud-like. This step is where most of the cookie’s airy texture and lovely crumb develop—don’t rush it!
Step 3: Add in Egg and Vanilla
Crack in the egg and add the vanilla extract to the bowl. Mix until these are fully incorporated. This little duo brings moisture, helps the dough bind, and adds that unmistakable homemade aroma we all adore.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gradually add in the flour and salt, mixing just until everything comes together. You don’t want to overwork the dough or you’ll lose tenderness. The result should be soft, pliable, and barely sticky dough—easy to handle yet sturdy enough to shape as you wish.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each one gently between your palms to form balls. Arrange them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each for spreading room. Press them gently to flatten—either with the bottom of a glass for a smooth look, or with a fork to create playful lines.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, watching closely toward the end. You’re looking for just-barely-golden edges; the centers will still look pale but will set up as they cool. Leave the cookies on the tray for five minutes after baking, then transfer to a wire rack for that final crispy-meets-melty texture.
How to Serve Best Butter Cookies
Garnishes
Nothing beats the simple elegance of Best Butter Cookies, but a sprinkle of sanding sugar before baking gives a beautiful sparkle and subtle crunch. For extra indulgence, try drizzling or dipping them in melted dark or white chocolate, or even adding a dash of colored sprinkles to turn them into a party centerpiece.
Side Dishes
Pair your Best Butter Cookies with a steaming mug of coffee, fragrant chai, or a tall glass of milk for that nostalgic treat. They also shine on a dessert platter with fresh fruit, lemon curd, or creamy ice cream, making any gathering feel like a special occasion.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack these beauties in a fancy tin lined with parchment, package them in cellophane bags with a ribbon for a heartfelt gift, or arrange them on a tiered stand for dessert buffets. For holidays, use cookie cutters before baking and decorate after for an extra touch of whimsy—these are made for sharing and celebrating!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, keep your Best Butter Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay wonderfully fresh and tasty for up to a week—though good luck making them last that long! Layer parchment paper between rows if you’re stacking them to preserve their delicate texture.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully. You can either freeze the finished cookies in a tightly sealed container or freeze unbaked dough balls—flattened—as a time-saver. Just add an extra minute or so to the baking time if you’re baking from frozen. Either way, you’re just minutes away from warm, buttery cookies on demand.
Reheating
If you want to recapture that fresh-from-the-oven magic, pop your Best Butter Cookies in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 3 minutes. This quick reheating brings back their delightful snap and aroma, perfect for guests or midnight snacking.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Absolutely! If you only have salted butter, just skip the added salt in the recipe. The flavor will still be fantastic—just a touch saltier, which many people love in butter cookies.
Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
Chilling isn’t mandatory for Best Butter Cookies, but if you want a firmer, easy-to-handle dough or need to prevent more spreading, feel free to chill it for 30 minutes. It’s especially handy on warm days!
Can I make these ahead for holiday gifting?
Yes, these cookies are perfect for making ahead. They keep well in tins for several days and freeze well, so you can bake now and gift later—giving you all the joy, minus the last-minute stress!
How can I make my cookies extra flavorful?
Try adding a bit of lemon zest, a pinch of cinnamon, or dipping half of each cookie in chocolate for a festive twist. But really, the rich butter and vanilla shine so brightly that simple is sometimes best.
Can this recipe be doubled?
Yes, this recipe scales up with ease. Just double every ingredient and mix in a large bowl. Bake as usual, maybe in batches if needed, and you’ll have a bounty of Best Butter Cookies to share.
Final Thoughts
Baking Best Butter Cookies is a little act of everyday magic—warm, welcoming, and guaranteed to bring smiles to anyone who tastes them. Give this recipe a place in your family traditions, and you’ll always have the perfect treat for sharing, gifting, or simply indulging in something unforgettable. Try it out and let the simple joy of buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies fill your home!
Print
Best Butter Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Best Butter Cookies are a classic favorite, perfect for any occasion. With a simple yet delicious recipe, these cookies are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Combine flour and salt: Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing just until a soft dough forms.
- Shape the cookies: Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and roll into balls or shape as desired. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Flatten slightly with the bottom of a glass or a fork. Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are just beginning to turn golden.
- Cool and enjoy: Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For extra flavor, dip in chocolate or sprinkle with sanding sugar before baking.
- Dough can be chilled for firmer cookies or rolled and cut into shapes for holidays.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
