Prep Time: ~20 minutes
Bake Time: ~10–12 minutes
Total Time: ~30–35 minutes
Yield: ~24–30 cookies
Introduction
Best Butter Cookies are classic, tender, and rich golden cookies that highlight pure buttery flavor. With a crisp edge and soft center, these cookies are perfect for holiday trays, tea time, gifting, or just everyday snacking. Simple yet irresistible, they pair beautifully with coffee, milk, or dessert spreads.
Why These Cookies Are So Loved
Butter cookies are beloved because of their melt-in-your-mouth texture and clean, buttery taste. They require minimal ingredients, bake quickly, and hold up beautifully when decorated or dipped in chocolate. Whether made plain or dressed up with sugar, glaze, or sprinkles, these cookies are timeless and crowd-pleasing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Optional Decorating Ingredients
- Colored sugar or sanding sugar
- Sprinkles
- Melted chocolate for dipping
- Citrus zest (lemon or orange)
- Icing or glaze
The Art of Perfect Butter Cookies
The secret to great butter cookies lies in creaming the butter and sugar until light and fluffy — this adds air and creates a tender texture. Adding the egg and vanilla gives richness and flavor, while folding in just enough flour ensures they stay soft and delicate. Slight chilling helps cookies keep their shape, and simple decorating options let you dress them up for any occasion.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat & Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them.
2. Cream Butter & Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until smooth, light, and creamy.
3. Add Egg & Flavor
Add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until fully incorporated.
4. Add Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
5. Shape the Cookies
Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop rounded portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
Optional: press dough lightly with the bottom of a glass or fork for a flatter shape.
6. Add Decorations (Optional)
Sprinkle tops with sanding sugar, sprinkles, or citrus zest, or press a few chocolate chips into the tops before baking.
7. Bake
Bake 10–12 minutes, or until edges are just lightly golden and the centers are set.
8. Cool & Serve
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serve plain or decorate with a drizzle of icing or melted chocolate if desired.
Tips for Best Results
- Use room-temperature butter for easier creaming and better texture.
- Measure flour carefully — too much can make cookies dry.
- Chill dough briefly if it feels too soft — this helps maintain shape.
- Scatter decorations before baking so they adhere.
- For crisp edges and soft middles, bake until just set and not overly browned.
Creative Variations
- Vanilla Citrus: add lemon or orange zest to the dough for bright flavor.
- Chocolate-Dipped: dip half of each cooled cookie in melted chocolate.
- Sprinkle Sugar Cookies: roll dough balls in colored sugar before baking for sparkle.
- Iced Butter Cookies: drizzle simple icing on top after baking.
- Spiced Butter Cookies: add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth.
Storage & Freshness
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Layer cookies with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
These also freeze well — store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months; thaw before serving.
Conclusion
Best Butter Cookies are simple, elegant, and endlessly versatile. With their rich buttery flavor and soft texture, they’re a must-make for holidays, celebrations, or everyday enjoyment. Whether you leave them classic or dress them up with decorations or chocolate, these cookies delight every time.
