If you’re on a quest for irresistibly rich, melt-in-your-mouth treats, these Best Butter Cookies will absolutely steal your heart. Every bite delivers the perfect balance of delicate crispness and tender crumble, thanks to a handful of pantry staples coming together in cookie bliss. Whether you bake them for the holidays, a cozy afternoon, or just because, “Best Butter Cookies” is a recipe you’ll want to keep front and center in your kitchen repertoire—trust me, your cookie jar will never be the same!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes these Best Butter Cookies stand out is how simple the lineup of ingredients is. Each element pulls its weight to give you that classic, buttery flavor, soft golden hue, and dreamy aroma that fills the air while they bake.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): The foundation of the flavor and texture, bringing both richness and that signature delicate crumb.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Adds the right amount of sweetness, while helping create a light, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Large egg (1): Binds the dough and adds tenderness, ensuring each cookie holds together perfectly.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Adds warmth and a lovely aroma that plays beautifully with the buttery base.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups): The backbone of the cookie, giving structure without weighing down the delicate crumb.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and brings out the buttery, vanilla notes with just the right amount of contrast.
How to Make Best Butter Cookies
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This step keeps your Best Butter Cookies from sticking and makes clean-up a breeze—plus, it promotes beautifully even baking every time.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream your softened butter with the sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Keep beating until the mixture is light, airy, and pale—this is the secret to cookies that practically dissolve on your tongue. Don’t rush this step; it’s where so much of that luscious texture happens!
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract, beating again until your dough looks totally smooth and cohesive. This duo not only adds softness but layers a lovely flavor that takes the Best Butter Cookies up a notch.
Step 4: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour and salt to your creamed mixture. Do this in parts, mixing on low, just until a soft, even dough comes together. Overmixing here is a no-no, as you want to keep that tender bite without making the cookies tough.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions, rolling each into a ball. If you want to get a little fancy, you can pipe the dough using a large star tip for that classic swirl. Arrange the cookies on your prepared baking sheets about two inches apart, and if desired, press each gently with a fork or a decorative stamp for extra charm.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the trays in the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, watching for the edges to turn just barely golden—this is your cue for cookies with crisp edges and buttery middles. For extra crunch, leave them in for another minute or two. Allow to cool on the tray for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely, resisting the urge to sneak just one… or two!
How to Serve Best Butter Cookies
Garnishes
The beauty of Best Butter Cookies is their versatility—they’re perfect plain, but you can easily dress them up! Consider a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or a sprinkling of festive sprinkles for added flair and fun texture.
Side Dishes
These cookies absolutely shine alongside a hot cup of tea or coffee, a glass of cold milk, or even scooped alongside vanilla ice cream for an after-dinner treat. Pair them with a simple fruit platter for a delicate balance of sweetness on your dessert table.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping cookie platter, arrange the Best Butter Cookies in overlapping rings on a decorative plate, intermingled with chocolate-dipped strawberries or colorful candies. Or, stack a dozen and tie them with ribbon for a homemade gift that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once fully cooled, these cookies keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Layer the cookies between sheets of parchment to prevent sticking and keep them at their best.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked Best Butter Cookies for up to two months. Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment. When you’re ready for a sweet fix, simply defrost at room temperature—no need for special prep!
Reheating
If you’d like to restore just-baked freshness, pop the cookies on a baking sheet in a 300°F oven for 3-5 minutes. This perks up the texture and refreshes the aroma, making them taste like new.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
You can use salted butter if that’s what you have; just reduce or omit the added salt to avoid an overly salty cookie. The benefit of unsalted butter is that you control the saltiness perfectly.
Do I have to chill the dough before baking the Best Butter Cookies?
No chilling is required for this recipe, so you can go from mixing bowl to oven without the wait. If your kitchen is particularly warm, however, a short chill can help the cookies hold their shape.
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?
Absolutely! While these cookies are divine as is, folding in a handful of mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or citrus zest can add a personal twist without compromising the classic character of the Best Butter Cookies.
How do I ensure even baking?
Spacing your cookies at least 2 inches apart and using parchment-lined baking sheets are the keys. Rotate the trays halfway through for consistent browning, especially if your oven has hot spots.
Are these cookies suitable for gifting?
They’re wonderful for gifting! Pack your Best Butter Cookies in a pretty tin or box, using parchment or wax paper to keep layers separated. They hold their shape well and stay fresh for days, making them a perennial favorite for any special occasion.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give these Best Butter Cookies a try—you’ll be amazed at how something so simple can bring so much joy. Grab your ingredients, invite a friend or two to join, and fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of buttery goodness! Happy baking!
Print
Best Butter Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Best Butter Cookies are a classic favorite with a rich buttery flavor and a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Perfect for any occasion or holiday, these simple yet delightful cookies are sure to please your taste buds.
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 salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine flour and salt: Gradually add the flour and salt to form a soft dough.
- Shape the cookies: Roll the dough into balls or pipe with a star tip onto the baking sheets.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges turn golden.
- Cool and serve: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- For a crispier texture, bake for an extra minute or two.
- These cookies can be dipped in chocolate or decorated with sprinkles for a festive touch.
- Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
