If you’re craving a melt-in-your-mouth classic treat, you’re going to adore this Butter Cookies Recipe. It comes together quickly, uses simple ingredients you probably already have, and delivers buttery, subtly sweet cookies that just scream comfort. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll want to make them again and again for every occasion!

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Why This Recipe Works

Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples so you can whip up a batch anytime without a special trip to the store.
Perfect Texture: The secret chilling step stops spreading and gives those signature crisp edges with tender centers.
Easy to Customize: You can dress them up with sprinkles, nuts, or a little zest—totally your call.
Reliable Results: I’ve tested this recipe over and over to make sure it’s foolproof whether you’re a baking newbie or a seasoned pro.

Butter Cookies, Easy Butter Cookies Recipe, Buttery Cookie Recipe, Classic Butter Cookies, Soft and Crispy Butter Cookies - There are fifteen round cookies placed on parchment paper on a light blue baking tray. The cookies have a swirled pattern with textured ridges in a pale beige color. Nine of the cookies are sprinkled with colorful round sprinkles, while six cookies have no sprinkles and show only the smooth beige dough. The tray is set on a white marbled surface with a blue and white striped cloth partially visible on the right side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Butter Cookies Recipe plays a vital role to make that buttery, tender, slightly sweet classic cookie you love. Using high-quality butter is crucial for flavor and texture, so I’ll share my brand recommendations below to help you get it just right.

Butter Cookies, Easy Butter Cookies Recipe, Buttery Cookie Recipe, Classic Butter Cookies, Soft and Crispy Butter Cookies - Flat lay of a small block of unsalted butter with a rich creamy texture, a neat mound of fine granulated sugar, one large brown egg with a clean uncracked shell, a small white ceramic bowl of clear vanilla extract, a heaping pile of all-purpose flour, a small pinch of coarse salt beside it, and a small white ceramic bowl containing fresh milk, all arranged symmetrically and naturally on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Unsalted Butter: Using softened, high-quality butter adds rich flavor and perfect fat content for tenderness. I recommend Kerrygold or Tillamook for best results.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens without overpowering and helps the cookies crisp up with those lovely golden edges.
Large Egg: Provides structure and moisture to bind the dough nicely.
Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor, making these cookies feel extra special.
All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the dough, it creates the right balance between tender and sturdy.
Salt: Just a pinch to enhance the sweetness and bring out all those buttery notes.
Milk: A splash helps achieve the perfect piping consistency without weighing the dough down.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love how versatile this Butter Cookies Recipe is — you can keep it classic or add your personal touch. Over the years, I’ve experimented with everything from adding lemon zest for a fresh twist to sprinkling cinnamon sugar on top for a cozy vibe. Feel free to make it yours!

Vanilla Variation: Sometimes I swap pure vanilla for almond extract for a fun change—it gives a lovely nutty aroma that’s unexpected but delightful.
Sprinkles or Nuts: Adding colorful sprinkles or finely chopped nuts before baking adds texture and makes these cookies perfect for celebrations.
Flour Adjustment: If you notice your cookies spreading too much, try adding a little more flour—sometimes weather or butter moisture affects this.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Butter Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking—this makes cleanup so much easier and keeps your cookies perfectly shaped.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar Until Fluffy

In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat the softened butter with the sugar on medium-low speed until it’s nice and fluffy—usually about 3-5 minutes. This step is key because it incorporates air, lending your cookies that light, tender texture. Be patient, it’s worth it!

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Mix in the egg and vanilla extract on medium-low speed until the batter is smooth. These additions bring moisture and that familiar cookie flavor that makes your kitchen smell irresistible.

Step 4: Incorporate Flour and Salt

Slowly add the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing just until everything comes together. Avoid overmixing here to keep the cookies tender rather than tough.

Step 5: Adjust Dough Consistency with Milk

Add the milk a tablespoon at a time, just enough so your dough reaches a piping consistency. If you add too much, the cookies will spread too much in the oven.

Step 6: Pipe and Chill

Transfer your dough into a piping bag fitted with your favorite round tip. Pipe small circles onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them out well. If you want, sprinkle fun decorations on top. Here’s the crucial part—pop the trays in the fridge for at least 20-30 minutes. This helps the dough firm up so the cookies don’t lose their shape in the oven.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Bake at 350°F for about 10 minutes, keeping an eye on them so the edges just turn golden brown—this signals they’re perfectly baked. Let the cookies cool completely on the sheet before moving them; otherwise, they can break easily.

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Pro Tips for Making Butter Cookies Recipe

Use High-Quality Butter: I’ve noticed brands like Kerrygold and Tillamook give richer flavor and better consistency—don’t skimp here!
Don’t Skip the Chill: Piping and chilling the dough before baking is my go-to trick to keep edges crisp and the shape perfect.
Adjust Flour for Climate: On humid days, your dough might spread more; I add an extra tablespoon or two of flour to compensate.
Bake Evenly: Rotate your baking sheet halfway through cooking if your oven has hot spots for consistent color and texture.

How to Serve Butter Cookies Recipe

Butter Cookies, Easy Butter Cookies Recipe, Buttery Cookie Recipe, Classic Butter Cookies, Soft and Crispy Butter Cookies - A clear glass plate sits on a white marbled surface filled with round cookies in a swirl pattern with soft beige color. Each cookie is topped with tiny round sprinkles in red, green, and white, adding a festive touch. The cookies have a textured, slightly crumbly look with neat, spiraled ridges, arranged closely together and overlapping a bit. The background shows some blurred green pine branches and golden ornaments, hinting at a holiday setting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I personally like to keep it classic with just a light dusting of powdered sugar or some colorful sprinkles when I want a festive touch—especially around holidays. Sometimes, a tiny smear of jam or a dip in melted chocolate turns these butter cookies into something really special.

Side Dishes

These cookies are fantastic with a cup of strong black coffee, a creamy chai latte, or a hot cup of cocoa. For a little party, I love serving them alongside fresh fruit or a cheese platter for a sweet-savory contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I like arranging these butter cookies in a pretty tin with tissue paper or stacking them on a tiered dessert stand. You can also sandwich two cookies with a smear of your favorite jam or frosting for a lovely homemade treat that looks bakery-worthy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature—they stay fresh and crisp for about 5-7 days. If you notice they start to soften, just pop them in the oven for a quick refresh at 300°F for 3-4 minutes.

Freezing

I love that you can freeze these cookies for up to 6-8 months. I recommend freezing the dough piped onto trays, then transferring hardened cookies to freezer bags. This way you can bake fresh batches in minutes whenever a craving hits.

Reheating

To bring frozen or stored cookies back to life, warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F for a few minutes, just until they regain that freshly-baked crispness. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the texture perfect.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

You can, but I recommend reducing or skipping the added salt in the recipe. Unsalted butter gives you better control over seasoning and helps avoid overly salty cookies.
Why do my butter cookies spread too much?

Spreading is usually caused by dough that’s too warm, too little flour, or butter with higher moisture content. Make sure to chill the dough after piping and consider adding a tablespoon more flour if spreading persists. Using high-quality, name-brand butter also makes a big difference.
Can I make these cookies without a piping bag?

Absolutely! You can scoop the dough using a spoon or cookie scoop, but the shape will be less uniform and the texture might vary slightly. Using a piping bag helps create evenly sized, delicate cookies with the perfect crisp edges.
How long do these butter cookies stay fresh?

If stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they stay fresh and crisp for up to one week. Beyond that, they might soften, but you can refresh them in the oven as needed.

Final Thoughts

This Butter Cookies Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen for good reason—it’s simple, dependable, and utterly delicious every time. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just to treat yourself, these cookies bring that warm, homemade feeling like nothing else. I really hope you give this recipe a try—it’s the kind of cookie that feels like a hug in every bite, and I can’t wait to hear how much you love it!

Butter Cookies Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 20 reviews

Author: Amanda
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

Deliciously rich and buttery cookies with a light, tender texture perfect for any occasion. These classic butter cookies are easy to make, requiring simple ingredients and a piping bag to achieve their signature shape. Ideal as a sweet snack or dessert, they stay fresh for days when stored properly.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter softened (use high-quality, name brand butter)
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
1-2 tablespoons milk or more if needed; any kind

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium low speed until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Add Egg and Vanilla: Add the large egg and vanilla extract, continuing to beat on medium low speed until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all purpose flour and salt, mixing just until fully incorporated. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
Add Milk for Consistency: Add milk one tablespoon at a time until the dough reaches a piping consistency, using the minimum amount needed.
Pipe the Cookies: Transfer the batter into a piping bag and pipe small circles onto the prepared baking sheet. Optionally, sprinkle with decorations like sprinkles.
Chill Dough: Chill the baking sheet with piped dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading during baking.
Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies just start turning golden brown.
Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before serving.

Notes

Store cookies at room temperature in an airtight container for 5-7 days or freeze for up to 6-8 months.
Chilling the dough after piping and before baking is crucial to prevent spreading and maintain cookie shape.
Weather conditions and altitude can affect baking results; add a few more tablespoons of flour if cookies spread excessively.
Use high-quality, name-brand butter such as Challenge, Kerrygold, or Tillamook to ensure proper moisture content and the best texture.
If spreading is an issue, adding extra flour can help compensate for moisture variations in butter.