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.

Classic Butter Cookies Recipe – Buttery, Crisp, and Easy to Make

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

Scale

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