These classic Butter Cookies are the ultimate treat that everyone loves. With their soft and tender texture, these cookies are rich in buttery flavor, making them perfect for holidays or any occasion. Their versatility allows you to pipe them into delightful shapes or simply enjoy them with a warm drink. Whether you’re baking for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or just a cozy evening at home, these cookies are sure to impress.
Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For the Cookies
- How to Make Butter Cookies
- Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
- Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
- Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
- Step 5: Adjust Consistency with Milk
- Step 6: Pipe Your Cookies
- Step 7: Chill Before Baking
- Step 8: Bake Your Cookies
- Step 9: Cool Cookies Completely
- How to Serve Butter Cookies
- With a Hot Beverage
- As a Dessert Platter
- For Special Occasions
- How to Perfect Butter Cookies
- Best Side Dishes for Butter Cookies
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Butter Cookies
- Reheating Butter Cookies
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What makes Butter Cookies different from other cookies?
- Can I customize my Butter Cookies?
- How do I prevent my Butter Cookies from spreading?
- Are these Butter Cookies suitable for holidays?
- How should I store leftover Butter Cookies?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these cookies come together quickly.
- Delicious Flavor: The rich buttery taste will melt in your mouth and leave you craving more.
- Versatile Presentation: You can pipe them into fun shapes and add sprinkles for a festive touch.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for holidays, gifts, or just an everyday snack.
- Store Well: These cookies stay fresh for days when stored properly.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or mixing bowl
- Piping bag with large star tip
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer or mixing bowl: Essential for achieving a light and fluffy batter by thoroughly creaming the butter and sugar.
- Piping bag with large star tip: Allows you to create beautiful designs with the cookie dough, enhancing presentation.
- Baking sheet: Provides a sturdy surface for baking your cookies evenly without sticking.
- Parchment paper: Prevents cookies from sticking to the baking sheet, making cleanup easier.
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (use high-quality brand such as Kerrygold, Challenge, or Tillamook)
- 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, use as needed for piping consistency)
How to Make Butter Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer:
1. Cream the softened butter and sugar together on medium-low speed until light and fluffy.
2. Scrape down the sides as needed to ensure even mixing.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the mixture:
1. Mix until smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour and salt:
1. Mix just until fully incorporated; avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
Step 5: Adjust Consistency with Milk
Add milk one tablespoon at a time:
1. Mix until the dough reaches a pipeable consistency using the least amount necessary.
Step 6: Pipe Your Cookies
Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip:
1. Pipe small circles or desired shapes onto the prepared baking sheet.
2. If desired, add festive sprinkles on top before chilling.
Step 7: Chill Before Baking
Chill the baking sheet in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes:
This step helps prevent spreading while baking.
Step 8: Bake Your Cookies
Bake in preheated oven for 10–12 minutes:
1. Look for edges that just begin to turn golden brown.
2. Remove from oven once done.
Step 9: Cool Cookies Completely
Let cookies cool completely on the baking sheet before serving or transferring them to an airtight container.
Following these simple steps will have you enjoying delicious homemade Butter Cookies in no time!
How to Serve Butter Cookies
Butter cookies are versatile and delightful treats that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply enjoying them at home, these serving suggestions will elevate your butter cookies experience.
With a Hot Beverage
- Coffee: Pairing butter cookies with a cup of hot coffee enhances their rich flavor.
- Tea: A warm cup of tea complements the buttery taste, making for a soothing afternoon snack.
- Hot Chocolate: The sweetness of hot chocolate balances perfectly with the buttery goodness of the cookies.
As a Dessert Platter
- Cookie Assortment: Serve butter cookies alongside other cookie varieties for a diverse dessert spread.
- Fruit Garnish: Fresh fruit like berries or citrus slices can add a refreshing contrast to the rich cookies.
- Cheese Board: Include butter cookies on a cheese board for an unexpected but delightful pairing.
For Special Occasions
- Holiday Parties: Decorate butter cookies with festive sprinkles or icing for seasonal celebrations.
- Gift Giving: Package them in decorative boxes as homemade gifts for friends and family.
How to Perfect Butter Cookies
To achieve the best results when making butter cookies, consider these useful tips. They will help ensure your cookies are soft, tender, and full of flavor.
- Use Quality Butter: High-quality butter provides a richer taste and better texture.
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the piped dough prevents spreading during baking, helping maintain shape.
- Measure Flour Accurately: Ensure you measure flour correctly to avoid overly dry dough. Use a kitchen scale if possible.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined to keep the cookies tender. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
- Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies while baking; they should be lightly golden around the edges.
Best Side Dishes for Butter Cookies
Butter cookies pair wonderfully with various side dishes that complement their flavor. Here are some great options to consider:
- Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream enhances the buttery flavor and adds creaminess.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with fruits and crushed butter cookies for a delicious parfait.
- Chocolate Fondue: Dip butter cookies into warm chocolate fondue for an indulgent treat.
- Nut Mix: A mix of nuts provides a crunchy contrast to the soft texture of butter cookies.
- Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad adds brightness and balances the richness of the cookies.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzle caramel sauce over the cookies for an extra sweet touch.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
These common mistakes can lead to unsatisfactory results when making Butter Cookies. Knowing what to avoid will help you achieve the best flavor and texture.
- Overmixing the dough: This can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined for a tender texture.
- Skipping the chill time: Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape. Always refrigerate piped dough for at least 20 minutes before baking.
- Not using quality butter: Using low-quality butter can change the flavor significantly. Opt for high-quality brands like Kerrygold for the best taste.
- Incorrect oven temperature: An oven that’s too hot or cold can affect bake time and cookie shape. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy.
- Ignoring baking time: Overbaking will make your cookies hard. Keep an eye on them and remove them when edges are golden.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Duration: Store Butter Cookies in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Container: Use an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Freezing Butter Cookies
- Duration: Freeze Butter Cookies for up to 6–8 months.
- Container: Place cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper.
Reheating Butter Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place cookies on a baking sheet, and heat for 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time on low power for about 10-15 seconds, checking frequently.
- Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, flipping halfway through for even warming.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Butter Cookies different from other cookies?
Butter Cookies are primarily made with butter, giving them a rich flavor and tender texture that sets them apart from other types of cookies.
Can I customize my Butter Cookies?
Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit to create your unique version of Butter Cookies.
How do I prevent my Butter Cookies from spreading?
Chilling the dough before baking is crucial. It helps maintain their shape and prevents excessive spreading during baking.
Are these Butter Cookies suitable for holidays?
Yes! These versatile Butter Cookies are perfect for holidays like Christmas or Thanksgiving, especially when decorated with festive sprinkles.
How should I store leftover Butter Cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer freshness.
Final Thoughts
These classic Butter Cookies are not only delicious but also easy to make. Their rich buttery flavor makes them perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday gathering or simply enjoying with your favorite drink. Feel free to customize them with your favorite mix-ins or decorations. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy delightful treats that everyone will love!
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Butter Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Makes about 24 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful experience of homemade Butter Cookies, where each bite offers a melt-in-your-mouth buttery goodness that everyone loves. These classic cookies are soft and tender, making them the perfect treat for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to cozy evenings at home. With their versatile design, you can easily pipe them into fun shapes or enjoy them simply paired with your favorite warm beverage. Whether you’re gifting them or serving them at a special event, these Butter Cookies are sure to impress friends and family alike.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (as needed)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla, mixing until smooth.
- Gradually incorporate the flour and salt until just combined.
- If needed, add milk one tablespoon at a time until the dough is pipeable.
- Transfer dough to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip; pipe desired shapes onto the baking sheet.
- Chill in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes to prevent spreading.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden brown.
- Allow cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring to an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 89
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
