These Butter Cookies are melt-in-your-mouth, delicious, and so easy to make! With just a few ingredients, you can create a batch of these rich and buttery treats that are perfect for snacking or sharing with friends and family. They’re lightly sweetened, crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside – a true classic!
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 20-24 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (90 g) powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional: Sprinkles, coarse sugar, or colored sugar for decoration
Directions
1. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and powdered sugar using an electric mixer or a stand mixer. Beat on medium speed for about 3-5 minutes, or until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
3. Add the Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until the dough comes together. You may need to use your hands to finish incorporating the dough if the mixer struggles to combine it fully.
4. Shape the Cookies
- Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and roll them into balls. If you want to make a classic shape, you can gently flatten each ball into a round disc.
- Optionally, you can dip the top of each cookie in coarse sugar or colored sprinkles for added texture and decoration.
- Arrange the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1-2 inches of space between each cookie.
5. Bake the Cookies
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may still look slightly soft, but they will firm up as they cool.
- Keep a close eye on them toward the end of baking to ensure they don’t overbake and become too crisp.
6. Cool and Serve
- Allow the butter cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, the cookies are ready to enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a hot cup of tea or coffee for an afternoon treat.
- Enjoy as a simple dessert or snack at any time of the day.
- Pack them in gift boxes for a homemade gift during the holidays or special occasions.
- Use them as a base for sandwich cookies filled with jam, frosting, or chocolate ganache.
Cooking Tips
- For the best texture, make sure the butter is softened but not melted. This helps the dough come together easily and results in a lighter cookie.
- If you’d like to add some extra flavor, try adding a teaspoon of almond extract or lemon zest to the dough.
- You can also chill the dough for 15-20 minutes before baking to prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
Nutritional Benefits
- Butter cookies are a treat to enjoy in moderation, offering a good source of energy thanks to the healthy fats from butter. They’re rich in flavor and texture, making them satisfying with just a few bites.
- Butter is also a source of fat-soluble vitamins such as Vitamin A, D, and E, though it’s important to keep in mind that they are a calorie-dense treat.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian: Yes
- Gluten-Free: No
- Nut-Free: Yes (unless you add nuts for decoration or flavor)
- Dairy-Free: No
- Egg-Free: Yes
Storage
- Store these butter cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the dough before baking. Roll the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, and then transfer them to a zip-lock bag or container. When ready to bake, simply bake from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
- You can also freeze baked cookies for up to 2-3 months. Just make sure to separate them with wax paper to prevent sticking.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These butter cookies are the ultimate indulgence in simplicity. The soft, crumbly texture combined with the richness of the butter makes each bite irresistible. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a sweet snack, these butter cookies are sure to hit the spot!
Conclusion
Butter cookies are a timeless treat that everyone loves. With their rich buttery flavor and crisp texture, they’re perfect for any occasion, from casual snacking to holiday celebrations. This recipe is quick and simple, making it an ideal choice for both beginner and experienced bakers. So, grab your ingredients, preheat the oven, and enjoy some homemade buttery goodness!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, margarine can be used as a substitute, but the flavor and texture may differ slightly from using butter. Butter tends to create a richer taste and a more delicate texture.
2. Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze the dough before baking. Simply shape the dough into balls or discs, freeze them on a tray, and transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen when you’re ready.
3. How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make the cookies gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum or a similar binding agent.
4. Can I add chocolate chips to this dough?
Yes! Chocolate chips or chunks are a delicious addition. Simply fold them into the dough before shaping the cookies.
5. How can I make the cookies softer?
To make softer cookies, reduce the baking time slightly, and make sure the dough isn’t over-mixed.
6. How long can I store the cookies?
Store the butter cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They can also be frozen for up to three months.
7. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before rolling and baking.
8. Can I make these cookies without an electric mixer?
Yes, you can use a hand whisk to cream the butter and sugar together, although it may take a bit longer.
9. Can I use brown sugar instead of powdered sugar?
Powdered sugar creates a smoother texture and helps give these cookies a lighter crumb, but brown sugar can be used for a slightly more caramel-like flavor.
10. Can I make these cookies dairy-free?
To make dairy-free butter cookies, substitute the butter with a plant-based butter alternative.
Enjoy baking these simple and delightful butter cookies!