Introduction
Butter cookies are one of the most beloved traditional cookies in the world. Simple yet elegant, they rely on just a few basic ingredients—but when done right, the result is pure magic. Crisp on the edges, tender in the center, and filled with deep buttery flavor, these cookies are perfect for holidays, tea time, gifting, or everyday treats. This recipe creates bakery-style butter cookies that hold their shape beautifully and taste even better the next day.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2¼ cups (280 g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Optional Add-Ins & Toppings
- ½ cup chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
- Melted chocolate for dipping
- Sprinkles or coarse sugar
- Lemon or orange zest
- Almond extract (½ teaspoon)
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Piping bag with star tip (optional)
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
Instructions
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until pale, fluffy, and creamy (about 2–3 minutes). This step is key for light, tender cookies.
Step 2: Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg until fully incorporated. Add vanilla extract and mix until smooth.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms.
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
- Piped cookies: Transfer dough to a piping bag fitted with a star tip and pipe swirls onto prepared baking sheets.
- Rolled cookies: Roll dough into 1-inch balls and gently flatten with a fork or glass.
Step 5: Chill (Important!)
Refrigerate shaped cookies for 30 minutes to help them keep their shape during baking.
Step 6: Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden. Do not overbake.
Step 7: Cool
Let cookies cool on the tray for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Methods & Variations
- Danish-Style Butter Cookies: Pipe rings and half-dip in melted chocolate
- Jam Thumbprints: Press thumb in center before baking and fill with jam
- Citrus Butter Cookies: Add zest for fresh flavor
- Sugar-Crusted Cookies: Roll dough balls in sugar before baking
History
Butter cookies date back centuries in Europe, especially Denmark and Scotland, where butter was plentiful. They became famous worldwide for their simplicity and rich taste. Danish butter cookies, often sold in blue tins, are now a global holiday tradition.
Benefits
- Made with simple pantry ingredients
- No preservatives
- Customizable flavors
- Perfect for gifting and freezing
- Long shelf life when stored properly
Storage & Shelf Life
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 7–10 days
- Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months
- Dough can be frozen and baked as needed
Nutrition (Approx. per cookie)
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 7 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Sugar: 5 g
- Protein: 1 g
Why Everyone Loves Butter Cookies
They’re nostalgic, elegant, and endlessly versatile. From children to adults, butter cookies are a universal favorite—perfect plain or dressed up with chocolate, jam, or nuts.
Conclusion
This classic butter cookie recipe proves that simplicity is powerful. With just a handful of ingredients and the right technique, you can create cookies that are crisp, buttery, and unforgettable. Once you make these, they’ll become a permanent favorite in your recipe collection.