If you’ve been searching for the ultimate buttery treat to enjoy with coffee or share at your next gathering, look no further than these Best Butter Cookies. Crisp on the outside, delicately soft within, and brimming with classic vanilla flavor, this recipe captures the pure delight of homemade cookies in every bite. Perfect for holidays, after-school snacks, or just-because moments, they’re simple to prepare yet impossibly hard to resist—especially when you realize just how magical a humble package of butter and a few pantry staples can be.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Best Butter Cookies lies in their simplicity—each ingredient plays a vital role, from creating the signature crumb to enhancing flavor. You don’t need anything fancy here; just quality basics that let buttery goodness shine.
- Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened): The star of the show! Softened butter lends rich flavor and tender texture; using unsalted gives you full control over the saltiness.
- Granulated Sugar (3/4 cup): Sweetens the cookies while helping give that coveted crisp edge without making the dough overly sweet.
- Large Egg (1): Binds everything together and adds a touch of richness and moisture.
- Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons): Rounds out the flavor of the cookies with warm, classic aroma; use pure extract for best results.
- All-Purpose Flour (2 1/4 cups): The structure of the cookie, creating a melt-in-your-mouth crumb that isn’t too dense.
- Baking Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Just enough lift to give the cookies a gentle rise—don’t skip it!
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweet and buttery notes beautifully.
How to Make Best Butter Cookies
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheets and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. While it heats, line two baking sheets with parchment paper—this ensures the cookies bake evenly and release easily, so you won’t lose even a single crumb.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar for two to three minutes. You’re looking for a light and fluffy mixture, as this step helps incorporate air and sets the stage for tender Best Butter Cookies.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Beat just until everything is beautifully blended. You’ll notice the dough starts to look luxuriously smooth and creamy—this is your flavor foundation!
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This simple step ensures the leavening agent and salt are evenly distributed—no surprise bites here!
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the buttery mixture, stirring just until a soft dough forms. Take care not to overmix, or your cookies might become tough instead of perfectly tender.
Step 6: Shape and Pattern the Dough
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and set them two inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. Flatten each ball slightly with your palm or the bottom of a glass. If you’re feeling playful, use a fork to create a simple crisscross pattern on top—the traditional look for Best Butter Cookies that never gets old!
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are just turning golden. These cookies bake quickly, so keep an eye on them. Allow them to cool on the baking sheets for five minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This gives them a chance to set so they stay delightfully crisp around the edges and tender inside.
How to Serve Best Butter Cookies
Garnishes
For a finishing flourish, sprinkle warm cookies with a dusting of powdered sugar, dip their edges in melted chocolate, or add festive sanding sugar before baking. These little touches instantly elevate the Best Butter Cookies and add your own personal flair.
Side Dishes
Pair these delightful cookies with a hot mug of coffee, tea, or even chilled milk for classic comfort. They’re also fantastic alongside bowls of fresh fruit, simple lemon sorbet, or as the crunchy component in an ice cream sandwich.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Best Butter Cookies in a pretty tin lined with parchment for a heartfelt edible gift, or stack them in clear cellophane bags tied with seasonal ribbon for party favors. You can also layer them on a tiered stand with fresh berries and flowers for a centerpiece-worthy dessert platter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, store your Best Butter Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll retain their fresh flavor and satisfying snap for up to a week—if they last that long!
Freezing
Best Butter Cookies freeze beautifully. Pack cooled cookies in a sealed freezer bag or airtight container, separating layers with parchment. Stash them away for up to two months and thaw at room temperature whenever a craving strikes or an unexpected guest arrives.
Reheating
To gently revive that just-baked aroma, place thawed Best Butter Cookies on a baking sheet and warm in a 300°F oven for 3–5 minutes. This brings back their crisp perfection and fills your kitchen with delicious nostalgia.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Absolutely, just reduce the added salt to a pinch or skip it entirely. Using unsalted butter gives you better control over the cookie’s flavor, but salted works in a pinch for these Best Butter Cookies.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The edges should look barely golden and the tops just set. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t wait for a deep color across the top—they’re meant to be pale, tender, and buttery.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes! Shape the dough into balls, freeze on a tray, then transfer to a freezing bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding two extra minutes to the oven time for irresistibly fresh Best Butter Cookies anytime.
Why did my cookies turn out tough?
Most likely, the dough was overmixed after adding the flour or baked a bit too long. For the softest, melt-in-your-mouth results, mix just until combined and keep a close eye on baking time.
What are some fun add-ins or variations?
You can stir in mini chocolate chips, citrus zest, or roll dough balls in festive sprinkles before baking. These tweaks let you personalize the Best Butter Cookies for any season or special occasion.
Final Thoughts
There’s something endlessly satisfying about a warm, homemade Best Butter Cookie. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or sneaking a treat for yourself, I hope this recipe becomes a new favorite in your kitchen. Give it a try—your cookie jar will never be empty again!
Print
Best Butter Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Best Butter Cookies are a classic treat that are perfect for any occasion. Buttery, tender, and delicious, they are simple to make and always a crowd-pleaser. With a hint of vanilla and a soft, chewy texture, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until the dough comes together.
- Shape and Bake: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Flatten each slightly and add a pattern if desired. Bake for 10–12 minutes until golden.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For a festive twist, dip cooled cookies in melted chocolate or sprinkle with sanding sugar before baking.
- These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to one week or frozen for later enjoyment.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
