Butter Cookies: Recipe

There are few joys in life quite as universal – or as comforting – as a batch of golden, bakery-style Butter Cookies: tender, rich, and melt-in-your-mouth with every bite. Whether you pipe them into pretty swirls or shape them into classic rounds, these cookies blend unbeatable simplicity with delicious elegance. Perfect for holidays, tea parties, or an everyday treat, Butter Cookies: are that reliable recipe you’ll want to share with family, friends, and anyone who happens to wander into your kitchen when the aroma begins to waft through the house.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Butter Cookies: lies in the way a handful of everyday ingredients come together. Each ingredient plays a specific role, bringing out the signature flavor, crisp-tender texture, and golden color these cookies are famous for.

• Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): The key to that luscious texture and rich flavor; always use real butter for the best taste.
• Granulated sugar (2/3 cup): Adds sweetness and helps the cookies bake up with just the right amount of crunch.
• Egg yolk (1 large): Binds the dough and gives the cookies extra tenderness and a lovely golden hue.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Brings a warm, aromatic note that lifts the buttery richness beautifully.
• All-purpose flour (2 cups): The foundation of the dough, ensuring just the right crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth bite.
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and deepens the overall flavor of the cookies.

How to Make Butter Cookies:

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pans

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy clean-up later. Taking a moment to prepare your pans sets you up for smooth, stress-free cookie baking.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until they’re light and fluffy. This process creates tiny air pockets that make your Butter Cookies: especially tender. Don’t rush this step – give it a good three to five minutes with an electric mixer for best results.

Step 3: Add the Egg Yolk and Vanilla

Crack in the egg yolk and pour in that fragrant vanilla extract. Blend until everything looks silky and well combined. The egg yolk not only adds richness but also helps the dough hold together when you shape or pipe it.

Step 4: Mix in the Dry Ingredients

Whisk together your flour and salt in a small bowl, then gradually add the mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir with a gentle hand, just until everything comes together into a soft, cohesive dough. Overmixing can make cookies tough, so stop as soon as the flour disappears.

Step 5: Shape the Cookies

If you want classic bakery-style Butter Cookies:, scoop the dough into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip and pipe beautiful swirls or rings onto your prepared sheets. Prefer a more rustic approach? Simply roll the dough into 1-inch balls, space them out, and flatten each one slightly with the bottom of a glass. Either way, leave enough space for the cookies to puff up a bit as they bake.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the trays into your preheated oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are just turning golden. Be vigilant – Butter Cookies: go from perfect to overdone in a heartbeat. Let them cool for a couple of minutes on the sheets (they’ll be delicate when hot) before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling.

How to Serve Butter Cookies:

Garnishes

One of the wonders of Butter Cookies: is how beautifully they play with simple garnishes. Try dipping half of each cooled cookie in melted chocolate, then showering a few with sprinkles or a dusting of powdered sugar. A drizzle of white chocolate or chopped nuts turns them into a delightfully festive treat.

Side Dishes

For a classic afternoon tea, serve Butter Cookies: alongside a pot of hot black tea or a robust coffee. Pairing them with a bowl of juicy berries, whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla gelato can turn a batch into a beautifully simple yet elegant dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation elevates Butter Cookies: from homemade to heavenly. Layer them in a crystal cookie jar for an old-fashioned touch, or tuck a few into clear bags tied with ribbon as edible gifts. Arrange them in neat circles on a pretty plate, or stack them tall for dramatic effect at a dessert table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled Butter Cookies: in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll keep wonderfully for up to a week, retaining their crisp texture and that cheesecake-like buttery flavor. If you’re gifting, be sure to separate layers with parchment to prevent sticking.

Freezing

Butter Cookies: freeze beautifully, whether you have a few dozen baked or want to prep the dough ahead of time. Just layer baked (and fully cooled) cookies in airtight containers with parchment between layers. For unbaked dough, shape or pipe and freeze on trays, then move to a bag for up to two months.

Reheating

To revive that just-baked crisp, reheat Butter Cookies: briefly in a 300°F oven for about 3–5 minutes. Let them cool before serving for maximum crunch and fresh-from-the-oven aroma. This trick works for both thawed and day-old cookies!

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, you can swap in salted butter, but be sure to reduce or skip the added salt in the recipe. Unsalted butter gives you more control over the flavor balance, which is why it’s traditionally used in Butter Cookies: recipes.

Do I need a mixer to make Butter Cookies:?

While a hand or stand mixer makes the creaming step easier and faster, you can absolutely make Butter Cookies: by hand with a sturdy wooden spoon and some determination. Just be sure to beat the butter and sugar thoroughly until very light and fluffy.

Why did my Butter Cookies: spread too much?

Cookies can spread if your butter is too soft or if the dough is warm. If your kitchen is hot or your dough feels sticky, pop it in the fridge for 10–15 minutes before shaping and baking.

Can I add flavors or mix-ins?

Definitely! Butter Cookies: are wonderfully versatile. Try almond or lemon extract in place of vanilla, or add a sprinkle of finely chopped nuts, zest, or mini chocolate chips to the dough for a unique twist.

How do I get perfect piped shapes?

For beautifully defined piped Butter Cookies:, make sure your dough is soft but not too warm. If it’s difficult to pipe, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes, but avoid over-softening. Use a large star tip and even pressure for those iconic swirls.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried making Butter Cookies: from scratch, I can’t recommend it enough – these are a true crowd-pleaser that feels as joyful to bake as they are to eat. Whether shared with loved ones or enjoyed solo with a hot drink, every bite is sheer happiness. Give this recipe a whirl, and let Butter Cookies: become your new go-to classic!

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