Homemade Butter Cookies are a delightful treat that everyone will love. These cookies are soft, tender, and bursting with a rich buttery flavor, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you are celebrating the holidays or simply enjoying a sweet snack, these cookies impress with their festive charm and ease of preparation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even beginners can whip up these delicious cookies quickly.
- Versatile Decor: Customize your Butter Cookies with colorful sprinkles or icing for any celebration — from Christmas to birthdays!
- Perfect Gift Idea: Pack them nicely in a box as a homemade gift that friends and family will appreciate.
- Crowd-Pleaser: The classic buttery flavor appeals to all ages, making them an excellent choice for gatherings.
- Freezable Dough: Prepare the dough ahead of time and freeze it for later baking on busy days.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking Butter Cookies, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Piping bag (or zip-top bag with the corner cut off)
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand Mixer: Makes beating the butter and sugar effortless, resulting in fluffy cookies.
- Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and ensures even baking, which is key for perfect cookie texture.
- Piping Bag: Allows you to create uniform shapes easily; great for decorative touches!
Ingredients
Homemade Butter Cookies are a must-make for the holidays! Soft and tender with amazing buttery flavor, and a festive presentation.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Unsalted butter (softened) (see notes – use high-quality, name brand butter)
– 1 cup Granulated sugar
– 1 Large egg
– 2 teaspoons vanilla
– 2 cups All-purpose flour
– ½ teaspoon Salt
– 1-2 tablespoons Milk (or more if needed; any kind)
How to Make Butter Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl or stand mixer, mix the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium-low speed until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Continue beating on medium-low speed until everything is smooth.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the mixture. Mix just until fully incorporated; be careful not to overmix as this can affect the cookie’s texture.
Step 5: Adjust Consistency With Milk
Add milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach a piping consistency. Use only as much as necessary; you want it thick yet manageable.
Step 6: Pipe onto Baking Sheet
Transfer the cookie batter into a piping bag. Pipe small circles onto your prepared baking sheet. If desired, add sprinkles on top before chilling.
Step 7: Chill Before Baking
Place the filled baking sheets in the refrigerator for at least 20-30 minutes. Chilling helps maintain their shape during baking.
Step 8: Bake
Bake in your preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until the edges of the cookies just begin to turn golden brown.
Step 9: Cool Completely
Once baked, remove from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack before serving or storing.
With these easy steps, you’ll have beautiful homemade Butter Cookies ready to share! Enjoy every bite!
How to Serve Butter Cookies
Butter cookies are delightful treats that can brighten up any occasion. Their soft texture and buttery flavor make them perfect for serving at gatherings or as gifts. Here are some creative ways to serve these delicious cookies.
With Tea or Coffee
- Pair with a warm cup of your favorite tea or coffee to enhance the buttery flavor. The contrast of warmth and sweetness is comforting.
Decorated for Special Occasions
- Use colorful icing and sprinkles to decorate your butter cookies for birthdays or holidays. This adds a festive touch that is sure to impress guests.
Gift-Wrapped Treats
- Place the cookies in decorative boxes or bags as thoughtful gifts. They make great homemade presents during the holiday season.
On a Dessert Platter
- Arrange the cookies on a beautiful platter alongside other desserts. This creates an inviting display for parties or gatherings.
With Ice Cream
- Serve butter cookies alongside a scoop of your favorite ice cream. The combination of warm cookies and cold ice cream is simply irresistible.
How to Perfect Butter Cookies
Making perfect butter cookies is easy with a few helpful tips. Follow these suggestions to ensure your cookies turn out soft and flavorful every time.
Use High-Quality Butter: The flavor of butter cookies largely depends on the quality of the butter used, so choose a well-known brand for the best results.
Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the dough before baking helps the cookies maintain their shape and prevents spreading during baking.
Measure Ingredients Carefully: Accurate measurements are key to achieving the right texture in your cookies. Consider using a kitchen scale for precision.
Don’t Overmix: Mix just until ingredients are combined to avoid tough cookies; overmixing can lead to dense results.
Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on the oven, as baking times may vary. Remove cookies when they are lightly golden around the edges for optimal softness.
Best Side Dishes for Butter Cookies
Butter cookies pair wonderfully with various side dishes, elevating your dessert experience. Here are some great options to consider:
Fresh Fruit Salad
A refreshing fruit salad balances the richness of butter cookies, adding brightness and natural sweetness to your dessert table.Yogurt Parfait
Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a healthy side that complements the sweetness of butter cookies perfectly.Cheese Platter
Offer a selection of mild cheeses alongside butter cookies for a savory contrast that enhances their flavor profile.Chocolate Fondue
Provide melted chocolate for dipping, creating an indulgent treat that pairs beautifully with buttery goodness.Homemade Whipped Cream
Serve freshly whipped cream as a side option, allowing guests to dollop it onto their cookies for added richness.Nut Mix
A mix of roasted nuts adds crunch and serves as a satisfying salty counterpart to sweet butter cookies, enhancing their appeal at any gathering.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking Butter Cookies can be simple, but mistakes can happen. Here are some common pitfalls and how to steer clear of them:
- Incorrect butter temperature: Using cold butter makes it hard to cream properly. Always ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for optimal mixing.
- Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined to keep them soft and tender.
- Skipping chilling time: Not chilling the piped cookies can result in spreading during baking. Always chill for at least 20-30 minutes before baking.
- Using stale ingredients: Freshness matters! Check that your baking powder and flour are fresh to avoid flat or dense cookies.
- Not measuring accurately: Baking is a science; incorrect measurements can ruin your cookies. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precision.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Layer parchment paper between cookies to prevent sticking.
Freezing Butter Cookies
- Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
- Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating Butter Cookies
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Place cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-10 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, placing a cookie in for about 1 minute per side, covered with a lid.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about making Butter Cookies, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries:
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can use margarine, but it may alter the flavor slightly. For best results, stick with high-quality butter.
How do I know when my Butter Cookies are done?
Look for lightly golden edges. The centers should look slightly soft but will firm up as they cool.
Can I add chocolate chips to Butter Cookies?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in chocolate chips or other candies for added flavor.
Why are my Butter Cookies spreading too much?
This could be due to warm dough or insufficient chilling time. Ensure you chill the piped cookies before baking.
How do I store leftover Butter Cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or freeze them for longer storage.
Final Thoughts
These homemade Butter Cookies are perfect for any occasion, especially during the holidays! Their soft texture and buttery flavor make them irresistible. Plus, you can customize them with sprinkles or chocolate chips. Try this recipe today and enjoy delicious treats that everyone will love!
Homemade Butter Cookies
Indulge in the delightful experience of Homemade Butter Cookies, a classic treat that will charm your taste buds and impress your loved ones. These cookies are soft and tender, delivering an irresistible buttery flavor that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a festive holiday or simply craving a sweet snack, these easy-to-make cookies are a hit with all ages. Customize them with colorful sprinkles or icing for birthdays, or gift them in decorative boxes to show you care. With a simple preparation process and versatile decorating options, these Butter Cookies are sure to become a cherished favorite in your home.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
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 your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl or stand mixer, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add the egg and vanilla extract; mix until smooth.
- Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour and salt until just combined.
- Adjust the dough consistency with milk as needed; it should be thick yet manageable.
- Transfer the dough to a piping bag and pipe small circles onto the prepared baking sheet. Chill for at least 20-30 minutes.
- Bake for about 10 minutes or until edges turn lightly golden brown.
- Allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider mixing in chocolate chips or nuts into the dough. Decorate with icing or festive sprinkles for special occasions. Store cookies in an airtight container for up to one week or freeze for longer storage.