These delightful Butter Cookies are a true classic, loved for their rich flavor and tender texture. Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a festive gathering or a cozy afternoon treat, these cookies bring warmth and joy to the table. Their simple preparation and charming appearance make them a go-to recipe for both novice and experienced bakers alike. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create beautiful piped shapes that are as pleasing to the eye as they are to the palate.
Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For the Cookie Dough
- How to Make Butter Cookies
- Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
- Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
- Step 4: Incorporate Flour and Salt
- Step 5: Adjust Consistency with Milk
- Step 6: Pipe Cookies onto Baking Sheet
- Step 7: Chill Before Baking
- Step 8: Bake Cookies
- Step 9: Cool Before Serving
- How to Serve Butter Cookies
- With Warm Beverages
- As Part of Dessert Platters
- Gift-Wrapping Ideas
- How to Perfect Butter Cookies
- Best Side Dishes for Butter Cookies
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Butter Cookies
- Reheating Butter Cookies
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I make my Butter Cookies more flavorful?
- Can I substitute ingredients in Butter Cookies?
- What is the best way to pipe Butter Cookies?
- Can I decorate my Butter Cookies?
- Are these Butter Cookies suitable for special diets?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With just a few steps, you can whip up a batch of delicious cookies without any fuss.
- Buttery Flavor: The rich taste of high-quality butter shines through in every bite, making them irresistible.
- Versatile Decoration: These cookies can be piped into various shapes and topped with sprinkles, perfect for any holiday or event.
- Perfect Texture: Soft and tender, these cookies maintain their shape beautifully during baking.
- Great for Sharing: Bake a batch to share with friends and family or pack them up as thoughtful gifts.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to make the process seamless and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or large mixing bowl
- Piping bag with large star tip
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer or large mixing bowl: Helps achieve a light and fluffy butter-sugar mixture quickly.
- Piping bag with large star tip: Allows you to create beautiful cookie shapes with ease.
- Baking sheet: Provides an even surface for baking your cookies without sticking.
Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make these delectable Butter Cookies:
For the Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (use high-quality brand such as Kerrygold, Challenge, or Tillamook)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (any kind, use as needed for piping consistency)
How to Make Butter Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer:
1. Cream the softened butter and sugar together on medium-low speed until light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Add the egg and vanilla extract:
– Continue mixing until smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Incorporate Flour and Salt
Gradually add the flour and salt:
– Mix just until fully incorporated. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 5: Adjust Consistency with Milk
Add milk one tablespoon at a time:
– Mix until the dough reaches a pipeable consistency using only as much milk as needed.
Step 6: Pipe Cookies onto Baking Sheet
Transfer the dough to your piping bag fitted with a large star tip:
– Pipe small circles or shapes onto the prepared baking sheet. If desired, add festive sprinkles on top.
Step 7: Chill Before Baking
Chill the baking sheet in the refrigerator:
– Allow it to rest for 20–30 minutes to help prevent spreading during baking.
Step 8: Bake Cookies
Bake in the preheated oven:
– Cook for 10–12 minutes or until the edges begin to turn golden brown.
Step 9: Cool Before Serving
Let cookies cool completely on the baking sheet before serving or transferring them elsewhere.
These classic Butter Cookies are sure to become a cherished favorite in your home!
How to Serve Butter Cookies
Butter cookies are delightful treats that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply enjoying a quiet afternoon, these cookies can be served with a touch of creativity.
With Warm Beverages
- Coffee: The rich flavors of coffee complement the buttery taste perfectly.
- Tea: A delicate herbal or floral tea enhances the cookie’s sweetness.
- Hot Chocolate: Indulge in a cozy pairing with rich hot chocolate for the ultimate comfort.
As Part of Dessert Platters
- Mixed Cookie Tray: Combine butter cookies with other favorites for variety.
- Dessert Charcuterie Board: Pair with fruits, cheeses, and chocolates for an elegant touch.
- Holiday Dessert Table: Make them a centerpiece during festive celebrations.
Gift-Wrapping Ideas
- Cute Boxes: Place cookies in decorative boxes tied with ribbons for thoughtful gifts.
- Mason Jars: Layer cookies in jars and add a label for a charming homemade gift.
How to Perfect Butter Cookies
Achieving the perfect butter cookie requires attention to detail. Follow these tips to ensure your cookies are always soft and delicious.
- Chill the Dough: After piping, chilling helps maintain shape during baking.
- Use Quality Ingredients: High-quality butter enhances flavor and texture dramatically.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined; overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
- Adjust Milk Carefully: Add milk gradually to achieve the right pipeable consistency without making the dough too wet.
- Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on them; they should be lightly golden at the edges but not overly browned.
Best Side Dishes for Butter Cookies
Butter cookies pair beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Here are some great options that complement their rich flavor.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of berries, melons, and citrus adds brightness and freshness.
- Cheese Platter: Pair with mild cheeses like brie or gouda for a savory contrast.
- Chocolate Fondue: Dip butter cookies into warm chocolate for an indulgent treat.
- Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream offers a fluffy companion to each bite.
- Ice Cream Scoop: Serve alongside vanilla or caramel ice cream for a delightful dessert duo.
- Nuts Variety: Roasted almonds or pecans provide crunch and richness that pairs well with the softness of cookies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking delicious Butter Cookies can be simple, but there are common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
- Using cold butter – Cold butter does not cream well with sugar, leading to dense cookies. Always use softened butter for the best texture.
- Overmixing the dough – Overmixing can make your cookies tough. Mix just until combined to keep them tender and soft.
- Skipping the chilling step – Not chilling the piped dough can cause your cookies to spread. Chill for at least 20 minutes before baking.
- Measuring flour incorrectly – Scooping flour directly from the bag can pack it down. Use a spoon to fill your measuring cup and level off for accuracy.
- Not using parchment paper – Baking cookies directly on the pan can lead to sticking. Always line your baking sheet with parchment for easy removal.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to 5–7 days.
Freezing Butter Cookies
- Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container.
- They can be frozen for up to 6–8 months.
Reheating Butter Cookies
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5 minutes for a fresh taste.
- Microwave – Heat individual cookies in 10-second intervals until warm; avoid overheating.
- Stovetop – Use a non-stick skillet over low heat, warming cookies briefly on each side.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make my Butter Cookies more flavorful?
You can enhance flavor by adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or by using flavored extracts such as almond.
Can I substitute ingredients in Butter Cookies?
Yes! You can use different types of flour or sweeteners, but this may change the texture and taste slightly.
What is the best way to pipe Butter Cookies?
Ensure your dough is at the right consistency; it should be smooth but not too runny. Use a large star tip for decorative shapes.
Can I decorate my Butter Cookies?
Absolutely! Adding sprinkles before baking gives them a festive look, or you can frost them once cooled.
Are these Butter Cookies suitable for special diets?
These traditional Butter Cookies contain gluten and dairy, but you can experiment with gluten-free flours and vegan butter substitutes.
Final Thoughts
These classic Butter Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile! Perfect for any occasion, they invite creativity through decoration and customization. Whether you’re preparing for holidays or just indulging in a sweet treat, these buttery delights are sure to please everyone. Try making them today!
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📖 Recipe Card
PrintButter Cookies
These delightful Butter Cookies are a timeless treat, cherished for their melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich buttery flavor. Ideal for any occasion, whether it’s a festive gathering or a cozy afternoon snack, these cookies are easy to make and aesthetically pleasing. With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you can create beautiful piped shapes that will impress friends and family alike. Perfectly versatile, they can be decorated for holidays or enjoyed plain with your favorite warm beverage. Experience the joy of baking with this irresistible Butter Cookie recipe!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (as needed)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl or stand mixer, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
- Gradually incorporate flour and salt until just combined; avoid overmixing.
- Add milk one tablespoon at a time until the dough is pipeable.
- Transfer dough to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip; pipe shapes onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Chill piped cookies in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are golden brown.
- Allow cookies to cool before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 75
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 25mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
