Classic Butter Cookies Recipe – Easy, Buttery, and Crispy

There’s something truly magical about this Classic Butter Cookies Recipe . Their rich, buttery flavor and delicate crumb make them the kind of treat you can’t eat just one of. Whether you’re looking for a classic dessert to enjoy with a cup of tea, a thoughtful homemade gift, or a beautiful addition to your cookie tray, these cookies check all the boxes.

This recipe for butter cookies is everything you could want: simple to make, endlessly versatile, and absolutely delicious. The dough comes together with just a few staple ingredients, and the finished cookies are the perfect combination of crisp edges and tender, melt-in-your-mouth centers. Plus, you can customize them with chocolate, sprinkles, or even a hint of citrus zest if you’re feeling creative!

But the best part? These cookies are as easy to make as they are delicious. With a few simple steps and some helpful tips, you’ll be turning out bakery-quality butter cookies in no time.

Let me walk you through everything you need to know to make these classic cookies, plus some fun ideas to make them your own.

Why You’ll Love These Classic Butter Cookies Recipe

These butter cookies are about to become your go-to treat for every occasion. Here’s why:

1. Rich and Buttery Flavor: The key to the perfect butter cookie is, of course, butter. The rich, creamy flavor shines in every bite.
2. Delightful Texture: These cookies strike the perfect balance between crisp and tender. They practically dissolve on your tongue.
3. Easy to Make: With just a handful of pantry staples and a simple process, these cookies are beginner-friendly.
4. Versatile: From piping elegant swirls to dipping them in chocolate, you can dress these cookies up or down for any occasion.
5. Crowd-Pleasers: Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, a family gathering, or just yourself, these cookies are guaranteed to disappear fast.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Chill Time: 30-40 minutes
• Bake Time: 12-15 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes
• Yield: About 24 cookies

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make the best butter cookies:

Dry Ingredients

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure to the cookies. Make sure to measure accurately by spooning the flour into your measuring cup and leveling it off.
• ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavor of the cookies and balances the sweetness.

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): The star ingredient! Softened butter ensures a smooth, creamy dough and that signature buttery flavor.
• ¾ cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: A must for that warm, comforting flavor. You can also use almond extract for a different twist.
• 1 large egg (room temperature): Helps bind the dough and adds richness.

Optional Add-Ins

• 2-3 teaspoons milk (if needed): Helps adjust the consistency of the dough for piping.
• White or semi-sweet chocolate chips: Perfect for dipping or drizzling.
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil (optional): Thins melted chocolate for easy coating.
• Sprinkles: For a festive touch!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the flour and salt in a medium bowl. This ensures the salt is evenly distributed throughout the dough and prevents clumps. Set this aside for a moment.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugar

Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or a hand mixer), beat the softened butter and sugar on medium speed for about 2 minutes. The mixture should be light and fluffy—this step is key to achieving that tender cookie texture.

3. Add the Wet Ingredients

Mix in the vanilla extract and egg, and continue beating until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This should take about 1 minute. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to make sure everything is evenly incorporated.

4. Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.

5. Evaluate the Dough

Now it’s time to check the consistency of your dough. It should be firm but pipeable. If it’s too stiff, add 1 teaspoon of milk at a time until it reaches the right consistency. Test by placing a small amount in a piping bag fitted with a large open star tip (like Ateco 826 or 827). The dough should hold its shape but be easy to pipe.

6. Pipe the Cookies

Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Pipe the dough into swirls or circles, spacing them about 2 ½ inches apart to allow for spreading.

7. Chill the Dough

Refrigerate the piped cookies, uncovered, for 30-40 minutes. This helps the cookies hold their shape during baking and enhances their texture.

8. Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep a close eye on them to avoid overbaking.

9. Cool

Let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

10. Decorate (Optional)

If you’d like to decorate your cookies, melt the chocolate in the microwave according to the package instructions. Stir in 1 teaspoon of coconut oil per cup of chocolate if desired for a smoother consistency. Dip the cookies halfway into the chocolate, drizzle with chocolate, or add sprinkles for a festive finish.

How to Serve This Classic Butter Cookies Recipe

Butter cookies are incredibly versatile and can be served in so many ways:

• Classic Presentation: Enjoy them plain with a cup of tea or coffee.
• Festive Touch: Dip them in chocolate and add sprinkles for a holiday-ready treat.
• Cookie Trays: Pair them with other cookies for an eye-catching dessert platter.
• Gift Boxes: Stack them neatly in a decorative tin or wrap them in cellophane bags with a ribbon.

Tips for the Perfect Butter Cookies

1. Use Room-Temperature Ingredients: Room-temperature butter and egg ensure a smooth, cohesive dough.
2. Don’t Skip the Chill Time: Chilling the dough prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
3. Measure Carefully: Accurate measurements are crucial for achieving the right texture.
4. Test the Dough Consistency: Adjust with milk if needed to make sure the dough is pipeable but firm.
5. Watch the Bake Time: Keep a close eye on the cookies to ensure they don’t overbake. The edges should be lightly golden.

Recipe Variations

• Citrus Butter Cookies: Add 1 teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough for a bright, citrusy flavor.
• Almond Butter Cookies: Swap the vanilla extract for almond extract for a nutty twist.
• Chocolate Lovers: Mix mini chocolate chips into the dough before piping.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Storage and Freezing

Storing

Store butter cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

Freezing

• To Freeze Unbaked Cookies: Pipe the dough onto baking sheets, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 1-2 minutes to the bake time.
• To Freeze Baked Cookies: Place cooled cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Special Equipment

• Piping Bag and Star Tip: For those signature swirls. Ateco 826 or 827 tips work beautifully.
• Silicone Baking Mats: Prevent cookies from sticking and promote even baking.
• Cooling Rack: Ensures the cookies cool evenly without becoming soggy.

FAQs

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! The dough can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Let it soften slightly before piping.

2. What if I don’t have a piping bag?
You can use a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off or shape the cookies into rounds by hand.

3. Can I use salted butter?
Yes, but reduce the added salt to a pinch.

4. How do I keep the cookies tender?
Avoid overmixing the dough, and don’t overbake the cookies.

Conclusion

These Classic Butter Cookies Recipe are everything you want in a classic treat—rich, tender, and irresistibly buttery. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a total beginner, this recipe is approachable and foolproof. Plus, the versatility means you can make them your own with fun flavors and decorations.

I can’t wait for you to try them! Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media—I’d love to see your delicious creations. Let me know in the comments how they turned out or if you made any fun variations. Happy baking!

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