Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Butter cookies are a timeless classic that appeals to people of all ages. Their melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich flavor make them perfect for any occasion. With just a few staple ingredients, you can have freshly baked cookies ready in no time. Whether you’re preparing them for a family gathering, a holiday event, or simply for yourself, these cookies are a go-to recipe. You can even customize them with sprinkles, icing, or chocolate for a fun twist!

Ingredients

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

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 egg (optional, for slightly richer flavor and texture)

Directions

Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to make cleanup easy.
Mix the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes using an electric mixer. Add the vanilla extract and mix until incorporated.
Add Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until the dough begins to come together. If you’re using an egg, add it now and mix until fully combined.
Shape the Cookies:
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Use a fork or your fingers to gently press down on each dough ball, flattening it slightly. If you like, sprinkle a little sugar on top for an extra touch of sweetness.
Bake the Cookies:
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers are still soft. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking, as they can turn crisp quickly.
Cool and Serve:
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 24 cookies
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12-15 minutes

Variations

Almond Extract: For an extra burst of flavor, try adding 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract to the dough.
Chocolate Dip: After the cookies have cooled, dip them in melted chocolate for a rich, decadent treat.
Sprinkles: Add colored sprinkles to the tops of the cookies before baking for a festive touch.
Softer Cookies: If you prefer softer cookies, bake them for a slightly shorter time.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store your butter cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to 1 week.
Freezing: You can also freeze the dough or the baked cookies. To freeze the dough, roll it into balls and place them on a baking sheet to freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag and bake them directly from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.
Reheating: To warm up your cookies, place them on a baking sheet and bake at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes or until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Using salted butter will affect the overall flavor, so it’s best to stick to unsalted butter. If you must use salted butter, omit the salt in the recipe.

2. Can I make these cookies without an egg?

Yes, the egg is optional. If you prefer a slightly lighter texture, you can leave it out and still get delicious cookies.

3. How do I make these cookies softer?

For softer cookies, bake them for a slightly shorter time and keep a close watch on them to avoid over-baking.

4. Can I add chocolate chips to the dough?

Absolutely! Chocolate chips would make a wonderful addition to the dough for a chocolatey twist.

5. How can I make these cookies more festive?

You can add sprinkles or colored sugar before baking or even dip the cooled cookies in melted chocolate.

6. Can I use a hand mixer for this recipe?

Yes, a hand mixer works perfectly for creaming the butter and sugar together and mixing the dough.

7. How long should I let the cookies cool?

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

8. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can easily double the recipe if you need to make a larger batch. Just ensure that you have enough space on your baking sheet.

9. How can I store leftover butter cookies?

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage.

10. Can I add food coloring to the dough?

Yes, you can add a few drops of food coloring to the dough to make colorful cookies, especially for special occasions.

Conclusion

These butter cookies are a simple yet delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With a few basic ingredients, they come together quickly and bake to perfection every time. Whether you enjoy them plain or with your favorite toppings, they’re sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and leave everyone asking for more. Enjoy baking and sharing these delicious cookies!

Butter Cookies Recipe

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These buttery, melt-in-your-mouth butter cookies are a simple treat that everyone will love. Perfect for sharing, they’re crisp, golden, and incredibly easy to make with just a few ingredients.

Author: Amy
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
Total Time: 22-25 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 tsp salt

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 egg (optional, for slightly richer flavor and texture)

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to make cleanup easy.
Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes using an electric mixer. Add the vanilla extract and mix until incorporated.
Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until the dough begins to come together. If you’re using an egg, add it now and mix until fully combined.
Shape the Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Use a fork or your fingers to gently press down on each dough ball, flattening it slightly. If you like, sprinkle a little sugar on top for an extra touch of sweetness.
Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers are still soft. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking, as they can turn crisp quickly.
Cool and Serve: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!