BUTTER COOKIES

The first time I made butter cookies, my daughter, Lily, was convinced we were making magic. The way simple ingredients transformed into these melt-in-your-mouth treats felt like a spell to her – and honestly, to me too! A good butter cookie recipe is a must-have for any home baker, and I’ve made this one more times than I can count in my own Texas kitchen. Perfect for the holidays, bake sales, or just a simple afternoon treat, these cookies are a classic for a reason. I just updated this recipe last week after a fresh batch, so I promise you’re getting the best version. Today, I’m sharing all my tips and tricks so you can whip up a batch of perfect butter cookies every time!

Why This Recipe Works

As a busy mom, I need recipes that are easy, reliable, and delicious. This butter cookie recipe hits all those marks! Here’s why it works so well:

• Simple Ingredients: You probably already have everything you need in your pantry.
• Quick to Make: From start to finish, you can have a batch of cookies ready in under an hour.
• Kid-Friendly: My kids love helping me roll out the dough and use cookie cutters. Plus, they disappear fast!
• Perfect for Decorating: These cookies hold their shape beautifully, making them ideal for icing and sprinkles.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! Using high-quality ingredients really makes a difference in these cookies. The star of the show is the butter, so splurge on a good brand if you can. It affects both the flavor and texture. Also, make sure the butter is properly softened. It should be soft enough to easily cream with the sugar but not melted.

Easy Swaps:

• Butter: If you’re dairy-free, you can use a plant-based butter substitute. I’ve found that some brands work better than others, so experiment to find one you like.
• Sugar: You can use caster sugar (superfine sugar) for an even finer texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Almond extract is a delicious alternative for a slightly different flavor profile.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get baking! Here’s how to make the perfect butter cookies, step-by-step.

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer. You want the mixture to be pale and airy – this is crucial for creating a tender cookie.

Step 2: Add Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is evenly mixed. I learned after the third try that if the egg isn’t fully incorporated, the texture can be off.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that the baking powder and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour.

Step 4: Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix – this can result in tough cookies. The dough should come together into a smooth ball.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This is an important step! Chilling the dough prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven and helps them hold their shape.

Step 6: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Parchment paper prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 7: Roll Out the Dough and Cut Out Shapes

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes. My kids love using holiday-themed cookie cutters this time of year!

Step 8: Bake the Cookies

Place the cut-out cookies onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving a little space between each cookie. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them – they can burn easily!

Step 9: Cool and Decorate

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, decorate with your favorite icing, sprinkles, or edible glitter. This is where you can really get creative!

Expert Tips from My Kitchen

After making these dozens of times, here’s what I’ve learned:

• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough develops the gluten, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
• Chill Time is Crucial: Don’t skip the chilling step! It helps the cookies hold their shape and prevents them from spreading.
• Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is properly softened, not melted. It should be soft enough to easily cream with the sugar.
• Use Parchment Paper: Parchment paper prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Bake Time Matters: Keep a close eye on the cookies while they’re baking. They can burn easily, especially the edges.
• Add a Touch of Citrus: For a bright, fresh flavor, add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough.
• Salted Butter Hack: If you only have salted butter, omit the ¼ teaspoon of salt from the recipe.

Storage & Meal Prep

Storage: Store the cooled butter cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months.

Reheating: No need to reheat! These cookies are delicious straight from the container.

Make-Ahead: You can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.

Batch Cooking: This recipe is easily doubled or tripled for batch cooking. Make a big batch of dough and freeze half for later.

Substitutions & Variations

Gluten-Free: I haven’t tried this recipe with gluten-free flour yet, but readers have told me that a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well.

Dairy-Free: Use a plant-based butter substitute. Be sure to choose one that is designed for baking.

Seasonal Variations:

• Holiday Spice: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to the dough for a festive flavor.
• Citrus Burst: Add lemon or orange zest to brighten up the cookies.
• Chocolate Chip: Fold in ½ cup of mini chocolate chips for a chocolatey twist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead?

Absolutely! You can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. You can also bake the cookies and freeze them for up to 3 months.

How do I know when it’s done?

The cookies are done when the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them – they can burn easily! Start checking them around 8 minutes.

What can I substitute for vanilla extract?

A: Almond extract is a delicious alternative for a slightly different flavor profile. You can also use other extracts like lemon, orange, or peppermint.

How do I store leftovers?

Store the cooled butter cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Make sure they are completely cool before storing to prevent them from getting soggy.

Is this kid-friendly?

A: Yes! My kids love helping me make these cookies. They enjoy rolling out the dough, using cookie cutters, and decorating them with icing and sprinkles. Just be sure to supervise them closely, especially when using the oven.

Serving Suggestions

These butter cookies are delicious on their own, but they’re also great served with a glass of milk, a cup of tea, or a scoop of ice cream. They make a beautiful addition to any dessert platter.

For a festive presentation, arrange the cookies on a pretty plate and dust them with powdered sugar or edible glitter.

Portion Guidance: I usually count on 2 to 3 cookies per person, but honestly, they’re so good, people might want more!

This butter cookie recipe is a classic for a reason. It’s simple, reliable, and yields delicious results every time. Perfect for busy families, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your home, just like they are in mine. I’ve baked these so many times in my Texas kitchen, and they always bring smiles.

So, grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake some magic! Let me know how it turns out in the comments below! I love hearing your feedback and seeing your creations. And if you loved this, try my [INTERNAL LINK: Sugar Cookie Recipe].

You can find more delicious and easy family recipes on FamiliesRecipes.com, and be sure to follow me on social media for daily inspiration. Happy baking, y’all!

Print