The Creamiest, Best Butter Cookies Recipe Ever Made

Sinking your teeth into the most incredible best butter cookies recipe that melts like pure happiness on your tongue.

These delicate treats carry memories of grandma’s kitchen and warm afternoon gatherings.

Each golden, buttery morsel promises a moment of pure bliss with its tender crumb and delicate sweetness.

Classic yet unexpected, these cookies whisper comfort in every bite.

Crisp edges and soft centers create a perfect balance that beckons you closer.

Rich European traditions inspire this simple yet elegant recipe that anyone can master.

You’ll fall in love with how effortlessly these cookies come together, promising pure joy in just a few humble ingredients.

Why Best Butter Cookies Are A Classic

• Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: These butter cookies crumble delicately with each bite, delivering a silky-smooth experience that practically dissolves on your tongue.
• Quick and Easy Preparation: Whip up these delightful treats in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for spontaneous baking moments or last-minute dessert cravings.
• Versatile Decorating Possibilities: Transform simple cookies into stunning masterpieces with optional sanding sugar, chocolate drizzles, or creative piping techniques that spark joy for bakers of all skill levels.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Treat: Classic butter cookies appeal to everyone from kids to grandparents, offering a universally loved sweet that brings smiles and nostalgic memories at gatherings, holidays, or casual afternoons.

Ingredients For Best Butter Cookies

Main Ingredients:

• Butter: The star of the show, giving rich flavor and tender texture.
• Granulated Sugar, Powdered Sugar: Sweet partners that create a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth cookie.

• Egg: Helps bind the dough and adds richness.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides warm, classic flavor depth.

• All-Purpose Flour: The structural foundation of the cookie.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.

Decoration and Finishing Ingredients:

• Sanding Sugar: Adds sparkly, crunchy texture and sweet crunch.

• Chocolate: Melted for dipping or drizzling, creates elegant finish.

• Parchment Paper: Ensures easy cookie removal and prevents sticking.

Steps To Bake Best Butter Cookies

Step 1: Whip Up the Creamy Base

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and combine softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar. Whisk these ingredients with enthusiasm until they transform into a light, fluffy cloud. Crack in a fresh egg and splash of vanilla extract, blending until everything looks smooth and inviting. Gently fold in flour and a pinch of salt, stirring until a soft, dreamy dough comes together.

Step 2: Get Ready to Bake

• Piping method: Fill a pastry bag with the dough and use a star tip for fancy, swirled cookies
• Ball method: Roll small portions of dough into cute little spheres
• Flatten each cookie slightly with a fork or the bottom of a glass for that classic look

Step 3: Add Some Sparkle

• Sanding sugar
• Colorful sprinkles
• Crushed nuts
• Chocolate chips

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide your cookie-filled trays into the oven. Watch them transform for 10-12 minutes until the edges turn a delicate golden brown. Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes – this helps them firm up and become extra delightful.

Step 5: Cool and Embellish

• Drizzle with melted chocolate
• Dip half the cookie in chocolate
• Dust with powdered sugar
• Sandwich with jam or buttercream

Helpful Tips For Best Butter Cookies

• Butter Softening Hack: Allow butter to sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing to achieve the perfect creamy texture without melting.
• Precise Piping Technique: Use a star-tipped piping bag for bakery-style, professional-looking cookies that look elegantly uniform.
• Sugar Sprinkle Secret: Dust cookies with colored sanding sugar before baking for a sparkly, festive appearance that adds visual interest.
• Chocolate Drizzle Magic: Melt high-quality dark or white chocolate and use a spoon or piping bag to create elegant zigzag patterns for gourmet-style finishing.
• Storage Wisdom: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper to maintain crispness and prevent sticking for up to one week.

Keep Best Butter Cookies Fresh For Days

• Refrigerate Properly: Seal cooled butter cookies in an airtight container, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They'll stay fresh for up to 7 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze for Later: Pack cookies in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags, separating layers with wax paper. Frozen cookies maintain quality for 2-3 months when stored correctly.
• Thaw Gently: Remove frozen cookies from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving, which can make them soggy or tough.
• Crisp Refresh: Warm cookies briefly in a preheated oven at 300F for 2-3 minutes to restore their original crisp texture and enhance their buttery flavor.

Pairings That Work With Best Butter Cookies

• Savor Sweet Companions: Pair these buttery cookies with a rich, velvety hot chocolate that complements their delicate texture. The warmth of the drink melts perfectly with the crisp cookie, creating a luxurious taste experience.
• Brew Perfect Tea Match: Steep a cup of Earl Grey or chamomile tea to enhance the cookies' subtle sweetness. The fragrant tea cuts through the butter's richness, balancing each delightful bite with a gentle, aromatic touch.
• Elevate with Dessert Wine: Select a light moscato or sweet sherry that echoes the cookie's delicate sweetness. These wines bring out the subtle vanilla and butter notes, transforming your simple cookie moment into an elegant indulgence.
• Create Chocolate Harmony: Melt dark or white chocolate alongside these cookies for a decadent dipping experience. The deep chocolate flavor intensifies the butter cookie's subtle sweetness, offering a luxurious contrast in every bite.

Tasty Twists On Best Butter Cookies

• Chocolate Chip Classic: Fold semi-sweet chocolate chips into the cookie dough before shaping, creating rich pockets of melted chocolate in every bite.
• Lemon Zest Refresh: Add fresh lemon zest to the dough and replace vanilla extract with lemon extract for a bright, citrusy flavor profile that awakens the senses.
• Nutty Crunch Edition: Mix finely chopped almonds or pecans into the dough, then roll cookies in chopped nuts before baking for an added textural dimension.
• Spiced Warmth Version: Incorporate ground cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg into the flour mixture, giving the cookies a cozy, aromatic warmth perfect for autumn gatherings.

FAQs About Best Butter Cookies

• Why are butter cookies so delicate and crumbly?

The high butter content makes these cookies melt-in-your-mouth tender. The ratio of butter to flour creates a delicate texture that breaks easily and provides that classic shortbread-like consistency.

• Can I make these cookies without a piping bag?

Absolutely! You can use a cookie scoop, roll the dough into balls, or flatten them with a fork. The star tip creates a prettier presentation, but the taste remains the same no matter the shape.

• How do I prevent my butter cookies from spreading too much?

Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking helps prevent spreading. Also, ensure your butter is softened but not melted, and use room temperature ingredients for the best results.

• Are butter cookies hard to make for beginners?

Not at all! These cookies are actually quite simple. With just a few basic ingredients and some patience, even novice bakers can create beautiful, delicious butter cookies that look professionally made.

Best Butter Cookies Recipe

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4.8 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Scandinavian butter cookies deliver delicate sweetness with classic simplicity. Rich buttery layers melt gently, promising pure indulgence for cookie enthusiasts seeking authentic Nordic baking charm.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients (Flour and Fat):

• 2 ¼ cups (280 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (226 grams or 2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

Sweeteners:

• ¾ cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (30 grams) powdered sugar

Binding and Flavoring Ingredients:

• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Optional Decorations:

• Sanding sugar or sprinkles
• Melted chocolate for drizzling

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Instructions

1. Craft a luxurious cookie dough by whipping softened butter with granulated and powdered sugars until the mixture becomes airy and pale, creating a silky smooth base. Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract, blending thoroughly to ensure a uniform consistency.
2. Gently fold in flour and salt, mixing until the dough comes together without overworking, which could result in tough cookies. The mixture should feel tender and slightly malleable.
3. Chill the dough for 15-20 minutes to firm up, making it easier to handle and preventing excessive spreading during baking. This resting period allows the flour to hydrate and flavors to meld.
4. Preheat the oven to 350F (175C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper, creating a non-stick surface for perfect cookie release.
5. Using a piping bag with a decorative star tip, elegantly pipe rosette-shaped cookies onto the prepared sheets. Alternatively, roll small portions of dough into delicate spheres and gently press with a fork to create classic crosshatch patterns.
6. For added visual appeal, sprinkle sanding sugar or delicate edible decorations across the cookie surfaces before baking, ensuring even distribution.
7. Slide the trays into the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, watching carefully until the edges turn a delicate golden hue and the centers appear set but not browned.
8. Remove from the oven and allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, which helps them firm up and prevents breaking during transfer.
9. Carefully move the cookies to a wire cooling rack, letting them cool completely to achieve the perfect crisp texture.
10. For an indulgent finale, consider drizzling or dipping the cooled cookies in melted chocolate, creating an elegant and decadent finish that elevates the classic butter cookie.

Notes

• Choose room temperature butter for the smoothest, creamiest texture that blends effortlessly with sugar.
• Avoid overmixing the dough after adding flour to prevent tough, dense cookies that lose their delicate crumb.
• Use a cookie press or piping bag with a star tip for professional-looking, intricate cookie shapes that impress guests.
• Experiment with flavor variations by adding lemon zest, almond extract, or finely ground nuts to customize the basic recipe.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 45 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg