Classic Buttermilk Butter Glazed Sugar Cookies are soft, buttery, and perfect for any occasion. With their slightly crisp edges and tender centers, these cookies melt in your mouth and are made even more delightful by a sweet, buttery glaze. This recipe is ideal for holiday gatherings, birthdays, or any time you want a comforting, homemade treat. The combination of buttermilk in the dough and a warm butter glaze elevates these cookies from the usual sugar cookie, making them especially rich and flavorful. These cookies are easy to make, yet their taste and texture will make them an instant favorite.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Sugar Cookies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup buttermilk

For the Butter Glaze:

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Steps to Make Buttermilk Butter Glazed Sugar Cookies:

1. Prepare the Dough:
   • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This will take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed.
2. Add the Eggs and Vanilla:
   • Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until well incorporated. Then, add the vanilla extract and continue to beat until smooth.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
   • In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients separately ensures that they will be evenly distributed in the dough.
4. Add Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk to Wet Mixture:
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the flour mixture, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as it can make the cookies tough.
5. Chill the Dough:
   • Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This will help the dough firm up, making it easier to shape and helping the cookies retain their shape when baked.
6. Preheat the Oven:
   • While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats for easy cleanup.
7. Shape and Bake:
   • Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie. Slightly flatten the tops of the dough balls with the bottom of a glass or the palm of your hand.
   • Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers should still look slightly soft. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
8. Prepare the Butter Glaze:
   • In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the granulated sugar and water, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
   • While the glaze is still warm, use a pastry brush or spoon to apply a thin layer of glaze to each cookie. The glaze will soak into the warm cookies, adding a rich, buttery flavor.
9. Cool and Serve:
   • Allow the cookies to cool completely on the wire rack, letting the glaze set. Once cooled, enjoy your delicious homemade buttermilk butter-glazed sugar cookies!

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, approx. 2 cookies):

• Calories: 210-220 kcal
• Protein: 2 grams
• Carbohydrates: 26 grams
• Fat: 11 grams
• Sodium: 110 mg
• Sugars: 17 grams
• Fiber: 0.5 grams

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

 

FAQs

Q1: Can I make these cookies without buttermilk?

Yes, you can substitute buttermilk with a mixture of regular milk and a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Allow the mixture to sit for 5 minutes to curdle slightly before adding it to the dough.

Q2: How do I store these cookies to keep them fresh?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container once frozen.

Q3: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to 1/4 teaspoon to avoid oversalting the dough.

Q4: What variations can I add to this recipe?

For a holiday twist, add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough. You can also sprinkle colored sugar or add chocolate chips to customize the cookies.

Q5: Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Simply scoop and shape the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, bake from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.

Tips for Perfect Buttermilk Butter Glazed Sugar Cookies:

1. Use Cold Butter for a Crispier Texture:
   • Softened butter helps create tender cookies, but if you prefer a slightly crisper edge, try using chilled butter cubes instead and work quickly to incorporate them into the dough.
2. Don’t Skip the Chill Time:
   • Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven, giving them a more uniform shape and better texture.
3. Adjust the Glaze to Your Preference:
   • If you prefer a thicker glaze, let the butter glaze cool slightly before brushing it on the cookies. For a lighter glaze, add an extra tablespoon of water to make it more spreadable.
4. Enhance the Flavor with Extracts:
   • Add a hint of almond or lemon extract to the glaze for an added layer of flavor that pairs beautifully with the buttery cookie.
5. Try Different Cookie Shapes:
   • While the traditional round shape is always lovely, you can shape the dough into festive shapes using cookie cutters, especially if making these for holidays or special occasions.

Storage Tips:

1. Room Temperature:
   • Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If stacking them, place a layer of parchment paper between each layer to prevent them from sticking together.
2. Freezing the Dough:
   • Freeze unbaked dough balls on a lined baking sheet until solid. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, you can bake as many cookies as you need directly from the freezer, just adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.
3. Freezing Baked Cookies:
   • Allow the cookies to cool and the glaze to set before freezing. Arrange in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, or separate layers with parchment paper. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Conclusion:

Classic Buttermilk Butter Glazed Sugar Cookies bring a comforting, homemade sweetness to any occasion. The delicate balance of buttery dough, rich buttermilk flavor, and sweet butter glaze makes these cookies a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re making them for a family gathering, holiday party, or simply to enjoy at home, these cookies are sure to be a hit. Their simple yet delicious taste pairs well with coffee, tea, or a cold glass of milk, and the glaze adds a sophisticated touch that makes them feel bakery-worthy.

Easy to make and highly customizable, this recipe is a versatile addition to any baker’s repertoire. Enjoy baking, sharing, and savoring each delicious bite of these soft, buttery sugar cookies!