If there’s one treat that feels like a bite-sized hug, it’s Butter Cookies. With their crumbly snap, golden edges, and sweet, vanilla-kissed flavor, these Danish classics are pure comfort on a plate. Whether you’re gathering with friends for coffee or putting together a holiday cookie tin, Butter Cookies always seem to steal the show. This is the recipe I reach for whenever I want something simple, classic, and sure to delight everyone from kids to grandparents.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Just a handful of pantry staples come together to create Butter Cookies with a perfectly tender crumb and rich, buttery flavor. Each ingredient plays a starring role, so don’t skip or substitute—they really are the secret to making cookies that melt in your mouth!
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): The foundation of these cookies—make sure it’s at room temperature for easy creaming and that signature richness.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Adds delicate sweetness and helps create a barely crisp edge.
- Large egg (1): Binds the dough, adding subtle richness and structure.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Lends a warm, fragrant note that makes the cookies extra inviting.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups): Provides the body and tender crumb, balancing the richness of the butter.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Just enough to make all the sweet and buttery notes pop.
How to Make Butter Cookies
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This little step makes removing the cookies a breeze and keeps their golden edges pristine—no sticking, ever!
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Grab your largest mixing bowl and beat together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This introduces air, giving the Butter Cookies their signature texture. Don’t rush; cream for at least 2–3 minutes. The transformation is worth it!
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Crack in the egg and drizzle in the vanilla extract. Beat until everything is perfectly combined, making sure the mixture is smooth and glossy. This is where the magic aroma starts to fill your kitchen!
Step 4: Mix in Dry Ingredients
Sift in the flour and salt, then mix on low speed or gently by hand. Stir until just combined; over-mixing can make the cookies tough. The dough should be soft and easy to handle—like a buttery cloud!
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
If you’re piping, transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a star tip and pipe elegant swirls or rosettes onto your prepared baking sheet. Prefer shapes? Chill the dough for 30 minutes, then roll it out and cut with your favorite cookie cutters. There’s no wrong way to personalize your Butter Cookies!
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pop the tray in the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, just until the edges are a whisper of golden brown. Watch closely—these beauties are best when they’re barely kissed by color. Let them cool for five minutes on the sheet, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling and crisping up.
How to Serve Butter Cookies
Garnishes
A sprinkle of colored sugar before baking adds a playful sparkle, while a drizzle or dip in dark chocolate after cooling brings a grown-up twist. For truly special Butter Cookies, try a scatter of chopped nuts or a dusting of edible gold flakes—the sky’s the limit!
Side Dishes
Butter Cookies are happiest alongside afternoon tea, a cup of espresso, or a steaming mug of cocoa. If you’re serving a spread, offer them beside fresh fruit, tangy yogurt, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a simple, elegant dessert plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your Butter Cookies in a glass jar with a ribbon for a charming homemade gift. Arrange them in a circle on a platter for a cookie wreath, or tuck them into colorful tins as holiday treats. They’re even lovely threaded onto string as edible garland for festive occasions!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Butter Cookies at their best, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and snappy for up to a week (though honestly, mine rarely last that long with snackers nearby!). Layer parchment paper between stacks to keep their shapes crisp.
Freezing
Butter Cookies freeze beautifully. Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container with parchment between the layers, freeze for up to three months, and thaw at room temperature whenever the craving strikes. You can also freeze the unbaked dough—just wrap tightly and thaw before shaping and baking.
Reheating
If you’d like to revive that just-baked aroma and crispness, pop a few Butter Cookies on a baking sheet and warm them in a 300°F oven for 2–3 minutes. Let them cool for a moment and enjoy—their buttery flavor returns as if you baked them fresh!
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
You can, but reduce the added salt by half to keep the Butter Cookies from becoming too salty. Unsalted butter is best, since it lets you control the seasoning.
Why did my Butter Cookies spread too much?
If your cookies are spreading, it’s usually because the dough was too warm or not enough flour was added. Make sure to chill the dough if your kitchen is warm, and always measure flour correctly for a perfect, puffed result.
How can I make the cookies crisper or softer?
For a crisper cookie, bake a bit longer until the edges deepen in color. For softer Butter Cookies, pull them from the oven as soon as the bottoms are barely golden and cool them on the sheet.
Can I add other flavors or mix-ins?
Absolutely! Try almond extract instead of vanilla, fold in mini chocolate chips, or flavor with citrus zest for a fresh twist. Butter Cookies are wonderfully versatile and welcome creativity.
Are these good for decorating with icing?
Yes, their sturdy-yet-tender texture makes Butter Cookies perfect for decorating. Try a simple glaze or royal icing, especially if you’re using shaped cutters for special occasions.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about fresh, homemade Butter Cookies—the way they fill the kitchen with a comforting aroma and spark smiles with every bite. Give this recipe a try, and share a batch with friends or family (if you can resist eating them all yourself). I’m certain they’ll become a new favorite in your cookie jar!
Print
Butter Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These classic butter cookies are perfect for holiday baking or anytime you crave a simple, delicious treat. With a rich buttery flavor and a hint of vanilla, these cookies are sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Butter Cookies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) 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 salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually Add Flour: Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing just until a soft dough forms.
- Shape Cookies: Pipe swirls or preferred shapes onto the prepared baking sheet or roll and cut into shapes.
- Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are just lightly golden.
- Cool and Serve: Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For a festive touch, dip cooled cookies in melted chocolate or sprinkle with colored sugar before baking.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Danish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
