There’s something unique about homemade Classic Butter Cookies Recipe. They are bursting with a delicious buttery taste that is crisp and has a smooth melt-in-your-mouth centre. They can be piped into gorgeous swirls, shaped into adorable cut-outs or simply by a round shape. Cookies like these are always a joy to eat.
Cookies made of butter are an essential common item in many households, particularly during the holidays. However, they’re equally good for any daytime snack. Their ingredients’ simplicity and easy preparation make them a popular recipe for both experienced and novice bakers alike. Additionally, they are well-stored, which makes them perfect to give away or enjoy with a hot cup of tea or coffee.
Table of contents
- Why You’ll Love This Classic Butter Cookies Recipe
- Ingredients
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- Pro Tips for the Classic Butter Cookies Recipe
- Variations & Add-Ons
- Storage & Make-Ahead Tips for Classic Butter Cookies Recipe
- FAQs about Classic Butter Cookies Recipe
- Related Recipes for Classic Butter Cookies Recipe
- Final Thoughts
In this tutorial, you’ll learn to make butter cookies that are perfect by hand, using step-by-step directions, expert tips and fun options that you can customize according to your preferences.
Why You’ll Love This Classic Butter Cookies Recipe
There are many reasons to be enthralled by these butter cookies, But here are some of the most popular:
- Basic ingredients are made with sugar, butter flour, sugar, and some pantry staples. This recipe is simple to prepare at any time.
- The most deliciously sweet The most prominent ingredient, butter, gives these cookies distinctive richness and flavour depth.
- Perfectly crisp and Soft: A combination of creaming sugar and butter and the appropriate baking time will ensure the perfect balance between crispness and tenderness.
- Multi-functional and Fun to Form, It can pipe, roll, roll or use cookie cutters for innovative designs.
- Excellent for gifting. Send these cookies in a cute tin, or place the cookies in bags made of clear tie with the help of a ribbon to create a beautiful homemade present.
Ingredients
You’ll require just a few baking ingredients to bake these delicious buttery cookies.
For the Cookies:
- 1 Cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups (150g) Sugar granulated
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract (or almond extract to give a different twist)
- 2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of salt
Optional for Decorating:
- Chocolate that has been melted to dip
- Nuts that are sprinkled or crushed
- Dusting powdered sugar with powdered sugar

Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cream the Butter and Sugar
Begin by mixing sugar and butter in a mixing bowl large enough. Utilizing a hand mixer or stand mixer with a paddle attachment, beat the sugar and softened butter at a medium speed for 2 to 3 minutes. The mixture should be soft, fluffy and light in colour.
This is essential as it aids in incorporating air into the dough, which gives the cookies a delicate texture. A proper creaming process for sugar and butter also helps ensure that the cookies are baked evenly.
2. Add Egg and Vanilla
Add the vanilla extract and egg after the sugar and butter are well mixed. Blend until all ingredients are blended, and be sure to scrape into the bottom of the bowl when required.
If you’d like a different flavour, you could switch out the vanilla extract for almond extract, which gives a slightly nutty and sweet taste.
3. Sift and Mix the Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, mix all-purpose flour and salt. Sifting the flour will help remove any lumps and ensure that it is evenly distributed when mixing it with all the liquid ingredients.
Add the flour, mix into the butter mixture, and mix slowly until you get a soft dough. Be careful not to mix too much because this could result in hard cookies instead of the smooth and crumbly texture butter cookies need.
4. Shape the Cookies
The fun part is shaping the cookies. In accordance with the appearance and texture you prefer, There are several ways to shape them.
- For the classic Round Cookies, Make the dough into a long log, wrap it in plastic and then refrigerate it for 30 minutes. After chilling, cut it into pieces that are 1/4-inch thick and set them on a baking sheet lined with parchment.
- For Piped Cookies: Transfer the dough into a piping bag with a star-shaped tip. You can pipe swirls or rosettes on the baking sheets lined with parchment. Should the dough be too hard to pipe, allow it to sit at room temperature for a few minutes and soften slightly.
- For Cut-Out Cookies: Roll the dough out on an area lightly sprayed with flour up to 1/4-inch thick. Make use of cookie cutters to create cute shapes. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment.

5. Chill the Dough (If Needed)
If your dough is too soft to retain its shape If it is too soft to hold its shape, chilling it for 20-30 minutes will aid in forming it. This is crucial for piped or cut-out cookies because it allows them to maintain their shape during baking.
6. Bake to Perfection
The oven should be heated to 350 degrees (175degC). Lay the cookies out on a parchment-lined baking tray, leaving about an inch of room between the cookies. Bake the cookies for 10 – 12 minutes or until the edges become slightly golden.
Be sure to watch them while they bake since butter cookies can quickly change from perfectly golden to overbaked. If your oven has hot spots, change the baking sheets occasionally to ensure that the baking is even.
7. Cool and Decorate
After baking the cookies, let them sit on the cooling sheet for about a minute before moving them onto a rack on the wire to completely cool.
Now you can just enjoy them as they are or embellish them with:
- It’s a Dusting of sugar in powdered form for a subtle sweetness.
- Dip in chocolate melts and add Sprinkles or crushed nuts for added texture.
- The caramel drizzle or frosting gives a more luxurious final.
Pro Tips for the Classic Butter Cookies Recipe
Although this recipe is straightforward, here are a few professional tips to make sure the cookies are perfect each time:
- Make use of high-quality butter. Since butter is the most important ingredient in HTML0, choosing a top-quality brand can significantly distinguish the taste. Butter that is European-style with higher fat content will work particularly well.
- Do not overmix the dough. The overmixing process could result in hard and dense cookies. Mix only until the flour is fully incorporated.
- Chill the Cookie If it’s too soft. Maintaining the cookie’s form is crucial, particularly when cut-out or piped designs.
- Bake until just golden. Be sure to keep an eye on the edges. When they reach a light golden brown, the cookies are ready. Overbaking may cause them to be dry.
- Utilize the Piping Bag with an Extra Large Tip. If you are piping the cookie, using a big open star tip is the best to create beautiful swirls that have ridges.
This step-by-step guide walks you through each step of making classic butter cookies, making sure they are buttery, crisp, and delicious. These cookies are ideal to serve for every occasion, whether you are baking cookies for yourself, sharing them with family or friends, or even giving them away during the holiday season.
In the next segment, we’ll explore some fun ways to elevate these butter cookies to a new level. From citrus-infused flavours to nutty options, There are many ways to personalize this recipe. Be sure to check back for more creative ideas!
Variations & Add-Ons
Butter cookies are great by themselves, but giving a twist to the recipe will make them more interesting. Here are some inventive ways to make your cookies more personal:
1. Nutty Butter Cookies
- Include 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts in the dough to give it the dough to have a slight crunch.
- Sprinkle chopped nuts over the cookies before baking to add a little nuttiness.
2. Citrus-Infused Butter Cookies
- Mix one teaspoon of finely grated lemon lime or orange zest into the dough to give it an energizing, fresh flavour.
- Sprinkle the cookies with a lemon-scented glaze of powdered sugar and lemon juice.
3. Chocolate-Dipped Butter Cookies
- After the cookies have cooled, dip one of the cookies into chocolate that has been melted, whether milk, dark or white chocolate.
- After the chocolate has set before it sets, sprinkle it with crushed coconut, nuts or sprinkles for a more unique look.
4. Spiced Butter Cookies
- Include 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon nutmeg or cardamom in the dough to give it a warm, comforting taste.
- Sprinkle the cookies with a cinnamon-sugar mix immediately after baking for additional sweetness.
5. Holiday-Themed Butter Cookies
- Make use of festive cookie cutters to create seasonal shapes such as stars, trees or hearts.
- Decorate them with colour-coated sugar or royal icing and edible sparkle to make them more unique.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips for Classic Butter Cookies Recipe
Butter cookies are perfect to make ahead, and they’re great to store and use later for gifting or snacking. How to preserve them:
1. Storing at Room Temperature
- Place the cookies inside an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Separate layers using parchment paper to avoid sticking.
2. Freezing the Dough
- Make the dough into logs. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight freezer bag.
- You can store it in the freezer for at least 3 months.
- Once baking is ready, let the dough defrost in the refrigerator before cutting and baking.
3. Freezing Baked Cookies
- Place the cookies that have completely cooled in a freezer-safe bag or bag.
- You can store it in the freezer for at least 3 months.
- Let them cool at room temperature before serving.
FAQs about Classic Butter Cookies Recipe
1. What is the History of Butter Cookies?
Butter cookies originated in Denmark and are known for their rich, buttery flavor and crisp yet tender texture. Traditionally made with butter, sugar, and flour, they became famous through Danish blue tin cookies. These cookies are now enjoyed worldwide, especially during the holidays.
2. How Do You Make the Perfect Butter Cookies?
The secret to perfect butter cookies lies in using high-quality butter, properly creaming the butter and sugar, and chilling the dough if needed. Baking at 350°F (175°C) until lightly golden ensures a crisp yet tender texture. Avoid overmixing to keep them delicate and melt-in-your-mouth.
3. What Is the Difference Between Butter Cookies and Shortbread?
Butter cookies contain more sugar and sometimes eggs, making them firmer and sweeter, while shortbread is more crumbly and delicate. Shortbread has a higher butter-to-flour ratio and no eggs, resulting in a softer texture. Butter cookies hold their shape better, while shortbread melts in your mouth.
4. How Are Butter Cookies Different from Other Cookies?
Butter cookies rely entirely on butter for their rich flavor, while other cookies may use shortening or oil. They hold their shape well and have a crisp yet tender bite, unlike drop cookies that spread more when baking. Unlike chocolate chip or oatmeal cookies, butter cookies are typically plain or lightly decorated.
Related Recipes for Classic Butter Cookies Recipe
If you liked the buttery cookies above, we have some more yummy desserts to try:
- Raspberry Almond Thumbprint Cookies – Buttery cookies with a sweet raspberry jam filling, topped with an almond glaze.
- Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cookies – A crunchy and sweet twist on traditional cookies, perfect for cinnamon lovers.
- Pumpkin Pie Cookies – A delightful mix of classic pumpkin pie flavors in a bite-sized cookie form.
- Chocolate Covered Graham Crackers – Crunchy graham crackers dipped in smooth chocolate, an easy and satisfying treat.
- Sally’s Baking Addiction – Butter Cookies – A detailed guide with expert baking tips.
Final Thoughts
The butter cookies have become a classic, and the recipe here is ideal for any event. If you stick to a simple recipe or twist them, they’ll always be crisp, buttery and delicious.
It’s your turn! Make this recipe and tell us what you think. Would you like them as is as well as with an exciting twist? Comment in the comments below, and if you enjoyed this recipe, pass it along to your friends and family.
Happy baking!
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Classic Butter Cookies Recipe – Buttery, Crisp, and Melt-in-Your-Mouth
- Total Time: 25
- Yield: 25 1x
Description
These Classic Butter Cookies are crisp, buttery, and melt in your mouth. Perfect for holidays or everyday snacking, they can be piped into swirls, shaped into cut-outs, or made into simple rounds. This easy, foolproof recipe is a must-try for every home baker!
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract (or almond extract for a twist)
- 2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
Optional for Decorating:
- Melted chocolate for dipping
- Crushed nuts or sprinkles
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
Instructions:
1️⃣ Cream Butter and Sugar – In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar with a hand mixer or stand mixer for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
2️⃣ Add Egg and Vanilla – Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. Scrape the bowl as needed.
3️⃣ Combine Dry Ingredients – In a separate bowl, whisk flour and salt together. Gradually add to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
4️⃣ Shape the Cookies:
- For Round Cookies: Roll dough into a log, chill for 30 minutes, then slice into 1/4-inch rounds.
- For Piped Cookies: Transfer dough to a piping bag fitted with a star tip and pipe onto a lined baking sheet.
- For Cut-Out Cookies: Roll out dough on a floured surface, cut with cookie cutters, and place on a baking sheet.
5️⃣ Chill Dough (If Needed) – If the dough is too soft, chill for 20-30 minutes before baking to help retain its shape.
6️⃣ Bake – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake cookies for 10-12 minutes until edges turn golden. Rotate sheets halfway for even baking.
7️⃣ Cool & Decorate – Let cookies cool for a minute before transferring to a wire rack. Decorate with melted chocolate, nuts, or powdered sugar.
Notes
Notes:
- Use high-quality butter for the best flavor.
- If the dough is too firm for piping, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes.
- Overmixing can result in tough cookies—mix until just combined.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Breakfast
- Cuisine: American, European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 9
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Protein: 2
Keywords: butter cookies, classic butter cookies, holiday cookies, easy butter cookies, shortbread cookies