Butter Cookies
These classic homemade butter cookies are crisp around the edges, tender in the center, and packed with rich buttery flavor. They’re incredibly simple to make and perfect with a cup of tea or coffee.
🧈 Ingredients
- 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2½ cups (300 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Sprinkles or sanding sugar, optional
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar for about 2–3 minutes, until light, creamy, and fluffy.
2. Add the Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Add the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture. Mix just until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing.
4. Chill the Dough
Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it, and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.
5. Shape the Cookies
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Roll the dough to about ¼ inch thick and cut into your favorite shapes. Alternatively, roll the dough into a log and slice into rounds.
Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Add sprinkles or sanding sugar if desired.
6. Bake
Bake for approximately 10–12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden.
Don’t overbake—the cookies should remain relatively pale for a tender, buttery texture.
7. Cool
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
⭐ Tips for Perfect Butter Cookies
- Use softened, not melted, butter.
- Measure the flour carefully to avoid dry cookies.
- Don’t overmix once the flour is added.
- Chill the dough if it becomes too soft.
- Bake until the edges are just lightly golden.
- Store completely cooled cookies in an airtight container.
🍫 Easy Variations
Try dipping the cooled cookies halfway in melted chocolate, adding lemon or orange zest, or sandwiching two cookies together with raspberry jam or chocolate filling.
⏱️ Recipe Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Bake Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour
Servings: 24–30 cookies
Difficulty: Easy